Impatiens (Balsam) Seeds

Impatiens are a classic garden flower—and for good reason. Also called “Lady Slippers” or “Touch-Me-Nots,” impatiens are characterized by bright flowers and seed pods that burst when touched. Eden Brothers offers four varieties of balsam impatiens, an heirloom cottage garden cultivar that is known for its ability to tolerate shade. Fairly easy to start from seed and even easier to maintain, impatiens are a lovely choice for beginning gardeners and seasoned green thumbs who want to cultivate this garden classic.

• Easy to grow and maintain
• Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
• Also known as touch-me-not flowers
• Shade and drought tolerant

You know the plant. The one that you accidentally touch and—pop!—you get pelleted with a few seeds. One of the botanical wonders of the world, impatiens (or Touch-Me-Nots) have been cultivated for years for pleasure and medicine. While there are multiple types of impatiens—the most popular being wallerina and balsamina—Eden Brothers offers four heirloom varieties of the latter. These cup-shaped single, sometimes double, blooms amidst serrated dark green foliage make garden balsam an exotic cultivar to display in your garden.

Impatiens grow profusely as self-seeding annuals in hardiness zones 3 through 10. These tropical plants can be direct seeded after all danger of frost or started indoors. Patience is essential with impatiens—these beauties are slow to germinate, but the wait is definitely worth it! Start impatiens seeds two to three months before the last frost of spring. Sow seeds in trays of seed-starting mix, but do not cover, as impatiens seeds need light to germinate. Maintain even moisture by misting seeds regularly.

Plant impatiens outside in sun or shade, so long as the soil is fertile. Once established, impatiens are drought tolerant—but the flowers do benefit from regular watering during the bloom season, which runs from late spring to fall. When seedlings reach four inches tall, pinch them back to a leaf node a couple inches down. As counterintuitive as it sounds, pinching promotes a healthier adult plant.

You may even opt to grow impatiens in a container pot; these no-fuss flowers are so adaptable, they will thrive anywhere. These compact plants only grow about a foot tall, so garden balsam is the perfect size for an edging plant or for ground cover. But be aware that wherever you plant impatiens this year, you’ll likely see volunteers next year; Touch-Me-Nots self-seed with vigor!

Grow a few impatiens in your garden this year and you’ll understand why pollinators and birds just can’t keep away—hummingbirds, in particular, prefer the nectar of these bright ruffled flowers. Eden brothers has four heirloom varieties of balsam impatiens in colors ranging from carmine to pale lavender, and you’ll be remiss if you don’t grow all of them! For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting balsam impatiens seeds, see the Impatiens Seeds Planting Guide.