Wallace's balsam

All fans of home gardening can not remain indifferent to the balsamines. A beautiful plant that is perennial, quite whimsical in care. But even this does not discourage the summer residents of the hunt to grow balsam. The easiest way, as practice shows, is to make it out of seeds.

Balsam Waller: photos and description of species

More than 300 types of balsam are known, which can be annual and perennial. The plant species are distinguished by their diversity, the differences will be hidden in the form of a leaf, bud construction, petal color, etc. Among cultivated plants, the most popular are the Waller balsam, a garden and New Guinean hybrid.

Balsam Waller, aka "Roly Wet," aka "The Spark" is a perennial. In nature, plant reproduction occurs at the expense of seeds, but in summer conditions more often and easier by cuttings. But this does not mean that the plant can not be grown from seed. It will be a difficult, painstaking process, but still possible.

The plant requires certain conditions. Balsam does not like bright sun, feels most comfortable in partial shade. Breeders note that with constant exposure to diffused light, the color of the plant becomes much brighter.

Growing balsam from seed at home

Many plants have hybrids, balsam is not an exception. Hybrids differ in larger flowers, the duration of flowering. Through the efforts of floriculture workers, varieties have been identified that are distinguished by a variety of colors of flowers, and the duration of flowering has increased many times. Propagation of balsam hybrids can occur both with the help of seeds and cuttings.

Self-cultivation from seeds can be carried out only if the plants were produced by seed companies, and not obtained at home.

• When buying seeds, you need to pay attention to the variety, which a huge amount. Some of them are very difficult to grow at home. If you have not previously had experience in growing this plant, then it is best to start with less naughty species. For example, the New Guinea Balsam, with purple or burgundy flowers. This type of plant can be grown at home, as a perennial plant, or in the garden, as an annual.
• Those varieties, varieties of hybrids that can grow from seeds at home, are characterized by capriciousness. And in order to achieve the goal it is necessary to observe a number of strict rules.
• In order for the balsams to decorate the summer flower bed, the seeds begin to sow about 3 months before planting on the flower bed or in the pots. For planting seeds should be prepared soil: pH 6.0 - 6.4. For the landing of balsams, it is necessary to mix peat, sand, compost, vermiculite in approximately the same proportions. Seeds must be protected from diseases, namely fungus. Most bona fide manufacturers carry out such procedures, as evidenced by the corresponding inscription on the package. Otherwise, the treatment will have to do yourself - hold the seeds in a weak solution of manganese for 10 minutes, then rinse in warm water.
• Seeds are laid out on the soil surface. And they are easily pressed into the prepared soil, sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. In order for shoots to appear, a supply of nutrients, a temperature of 22 to 25 degrees, humidity and light is necessary. To create optimum moisture, the seed container can be covered with glass, but seedlings should receive a portion of fresh air daily. As soon as shoots appeared, they conduct airing and, if necessary, moisten the soil. From this point on, the residence time of the plants under glass begins to be reduced, soon it is simply removed.
• As soon as the first leaf appears, the ambient air temperature should be 20 degrees, and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight. Only after 3 true leaves appear on the stalk, the plant can be transplanted into a pot / flower bed.
• The transplanted plant needs regular watering, it is impossible to prevent the soil from drying out. Every 8 - 10 days spend feeding.

Garden balsam is an annual from the shores of the Indian Ocean. It can bloom all summer. The flowers themselves are simple or terry, completely different colors. Due to the fact that the plant, or rather the stem, is very fragile, this determines the landing site - areas protected from wind and rain. Cultivation from seeds of a garden balsam does not pose any difficulty at home. Difficulties begin with the care of the plant. Balsam loves moisture, but does not tolerate overflow, does not like direct sunlight, but can not grow without the sun. The plant needs regular fertilizing, but if you overdo it, it will increase a lot of green mass, and the number of flowers will significantly decrease.