Description of garden balsam and growing rules, how to preserve it in winter

The main feature of garden balsam is its long and abundant flowering, for which it is valued by many flower growers and gardeners. Because of this characteristic feature, the plant has a second name - diligent Lisa. On the territory of Russia, this flower appeared only at the end of the 19th century and is now an integral part of front gardens, flower beds, lawns and fences.

Description of the plant

Garden balsam is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches 50 centimeters. The countries of Asia and Africa are considered the birthplace of the flower; in the Northern Hemisphere, year-round growth is ensured by greenhouse conditions. One bush can have more than 50 flowers, which differ in shades. Impatiens bloom at the end of spring and can last up to ten months.

Characteristics of varieties

Flower growers have identified about 400 species of balsam, but only a few varieties grow in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tom Thumb

It belongs to the dwarf species, as it reaches a length of only 25 centimeters. It has bright flowers and is characterized by long-lasting flowering, which stops only with the onset of cold weather..

Camellia

This variety is bred on the basis of ordinary garden balsam. It is a tall species, therefore it is often used for decorative decoration of trees. Serves as protection against pests.

Waller

The most popular, universal variety of balsam. Flowering continues until the first frost. The flowers are quite large and bright, but the stems are fragile and susceptible to damage. Can grow in shady places.

Exotic dwarf

This type of flower is usually used for decorative decoration of balconies. Exotic are small bushes that grow up to only 20 centimeters and have bright buds. Flower shades range from pinkish to purple.

Terry

This perennial grows from 15 to 40 centimeters in height and boasts a rich variety of shapes. The leaves of this balsam have an unusual, rounded, heart-shaped shape. As a rule, this catchy flower is grown at home.

Vanka wet street

This is an ordinary garden balsam - the most popular type. This plant can reach 70 centimeters, the color varies from light to bright shades. Flowering begins in early summer and continues until the first cold weather. It is characterized by increased thermophilicity.

Impreza

The plant is used for planting on the balcony or in special hanging boxes. The flower is small in height - only 20 centimeters. The color of the flowers is soft pink. It is distinguished by abundant flowering and large buds.

Site selection and soil preparation

An area that will be protected from strong gusts of wind, drafts and constant sunlight is suitable for balsam. It is better to place flower beds in partial shade, near fences or fences, trees and shrubs. The plant does not tolerate acidic and heavy soil, and also requires site preparation: installation of drainage, loosening and deoxidation of the soil with limestone are required. Fertilizer mixtures should not be applied.

Planting methods

Planting balsam can be done in two ways, but quite often the indoor plant is propagated by cuttings and does not wait for the seeds to ripen.

Seeds

This method is suitable for regions with early spring and warm autumn. The initial seed material can be stored for up to eight years. Planting balsam should be done when the soil has warmed up to 20 degrees.

Preparation of seed material

Immediately before sowing, the material should be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate (15 minutes) for disinfection purposes.Then the wet seeds are placed on a wet cloth laid out on a small saucer and placed in a warm place.

Planting scheme

To begin with, make small holes (2 centimeters), place the seed in moistened soil and sprinkle it on top. Next, the planting area should be sprayed with a spray bottle and fertilized with mulch. At the end, the sowing is covered with film. After ten days, shoots will appear and the coating is removed.

Seedlings

The safest way is to obtain seedlings and then place them in the garden.

Deadlines

Seeds for seedlings are planted in late winter or early spring. However, for cold regions, with late spring, sowing dates are shifted - the soil must have time to warm up sufficiently.

Seed preparation

Seeds are prepared in the same way as when growing seedlings of other flower crops. Treatment for disinfection and placement in a separate container will be required.

Post-emergence care

As the seedlings grow, it is important to monitor soil moisture, since the substrate should not be allowed to become excessively dry. And also the air temperature should not fall below 22 degrees. As soon as the sprouts appear, the film is removed and the pots are put in a sunny place.

Lighting

Seedlings require additional lighting from the first days. On cloudy days, you will need to turn on phyto- or conventional lamps.

Adding soil

As the roots grow and begin to become exposed, it is necessary to periodically add loose, light soil on top of them.

Watering

Strong sprouts should be watered only through a tray. Otherwise, the risk of developing gray rot or fungal infection, which can destroy the plant, cannot be excluded.

Picking

Picking must be done as soon as the first leaves appear.Balsam seedlings are divided into separate containers - usually cups. After this procedure, you should increase the temperature, add lighting and increase watering. However, it is recommended to grow balsam seedlings using the pickless method.

Topping

A week after planting, the tops must be pinched so that the crown begins to branch. It is important that at least four large leaves are formed. If this is not done, the plant will be small.

Time for planting in the ground

Strong specimens should be planted in open ground with the onset of warm weather. If you do this in late spring, flowering will begin in June. The air temperature should remain between 19-23 degrees. The planted seedlings will be able to adapt within a week.

Outdoor care

After planting, the plant will require careful care, adherence to the watering regime and the application of fertilizer mixtures.

Topping

When planting specimens in open ground, you will need to pinch the roots a little. This procedure is necessary for the development of the tip, active growth, branching and formation of a lush balsam flower.

Biofungicides

Immediately before planting, a solution of biofungicides must be added to the planting holes. This could be Trichodermin, Planriz or Fitosporin. The application of preparations protects plants from fungus and other diseases. It is also recommended to add Kornevin.

Swage

It is recommended to squeeze the soil around the young plant a little - this action can increase adhesion to the soil.

Spraying

Impatiens will require spraying, which is recommended using a fine-drop sprayer.This procedure will help reduce the temperature, which is extremely important during periods of drought and extreme heat.

Watering

The plant should be watered twice a week, in an average amount, avoiding excessive dryness of the soil. However, it is important to consider that the flower, although it loves sufficient watering, does not tolerate constant stagnation of liquid. If there is not enough water, the leaves will begin to fade.

Top dressing

Fertilizing should be applied simultaneously with watering. For balsam, flower fertilizers that are intended for geranium are suitable. However, this flower does not tolerate high concentrations of nutrients. Therefore, the doses of fertilizer mixtures are reduced by half.

Which ones to grow in the garden

Almost any variety of balsam is suitable for garden plots and front gardens. Both simple and double flower forms are suitable. Breeders specially bred garden varieties of this plant. The New Guinea variety, Exotic, Camellia, Tom Thumb look elegant and unusual.

Problems and diseases

Like other representatives of the flora, balsam is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks:

1. Rot is the result of excessive watering and stagnation of liquid.
2. Spider mites - will need treatment with chemicals or soapy water.
3. Whitefly – causes leaf drop; processing is also required.
4. Viral mosaic - aphids cause yellow spots; treatment and treatment will be required.
5. Ring mosaic - the leaves are affected, and then the entire flower. Fungicide treatment is required.

Impatiens are heat-loving plants, so a number of measures will need to be taken to preserve this flower in winter. In the fall, the bushes are dug up and transplanted into heated greenhouses - this way they can bloom all year round. The optimal temperature for a greenhouse is 15-20 degrees.

Decorative features

Garden balsam is often used in landscape design. In the garden plot it looks more advantageous in group plantings. You can use a bright and spectacular bush in different ways: form a fence, arrange flowers in a separate flowerbed, or make a border planting.

Thanks to the riot of colors, dense crown and variety of shapes, the plant is perfectly suited for creating amazing compositions..

Reviews

Elena

“For the second year now I have been growing balsams in my garden plot. Some varieties did not take root; I spent a long time looking for the right one. But now every summer I admire their flowering - even prolonged rainfall does not spoil the appearance of the plant.”

Veronica

“The market advised me to grow garden balsam. Right now I have bright coral colored flowers. Their main advantage is that they can bloom in the shade; do not require special care. Once I had to fight spider mites.”