Garden balsam

The popularity of balsams is increasing every day, and accordingly, the number of fans is also growing. They are used both in home floriculture and in landscaping parks and gardens. For more than 400 years, balsam has been decorating our windows. Thanks to the diligence of breeders, this flower is gaining the status of one of the pets.

General information

Impatiens are annual or perennial herbaceous plants with rich stems and fibrous roots. There are approximately 300 species. Impatiens vary in shape: ampelous, climbing, erect, bushy, and there are also types that resemble bouquets. Plant sizes vary from 15 to 25 cm.

Peculiarities

Balsams have jagged or oval leaves in a wide variety of green shades. The fruit consists of a multi-seeded capsule. If you touch it with your hand, it will instantly open and the seeds will fall out.

Impatiens have a wide palette of colors. There are representatives with bright red, purple-pink flowers, monochromatic or multi-colored. For example, double and semi-double flowers reproduce the shape of a camellia, carnation or rose. In addition, in one group you can find buds with different degrees of development: blossomed, unblown and withered. Hybrids of a purple-pink hue are also widespread.

The plant grows well in moist, fertile soils. Initially, balsam was popular in tropical Africa, India, China, and then it spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Chandelier balsam: description

This plant has an interesting nickname - Vanka wet. It was so nicknamed due to the fact that small drops of liquid are released along the edges of the leaves. In another way it is called “light”. The brightly colored flowers glow against the green leaves. Plants of this species are perennials, they are very branched and have a thick stem. Green or red-brown leaves are small, oval in shape. White, red or pink flowers are located at the ends of the branches.

If you follow the rules of care and planting, ampelous balsam at home can bloom throughout the whole year, and in the summer you can decorate terraces and flower beds with it. Impatiens do not like bright daytime sun; they prefer light partial shade. In diffused light, the flowers become brighter in color. Supports or wings protect the delicate plant from winds and rain.

Varieties

Terry ampelous balsam has many shaggy flowers. The chic shape of this variety is used for hanging baskets. This is a very branching plant, strewn with flowers with shoots of 30-35 cm. It blooms from June until frost. Grow the plant in places with diffused sunlight or partial shade.

Balsam ampelous Acrobat is characterized by rapid growth. One flower is enough to create a luxurious hanging basket. It has a huge number of constantly updated colors. Tolerates rainy weather well. Impatiens are best grown in partial shade. Blooms from June to November.

Balsams in the natural environment

There are many different species in nature, for example, subshrubs, herbaceous annuals and perennials. Some species grow up to two meters in height. All of them, without exception, are united in one family - balsam.

Reproduction of balsam in nature occurs naturally. In culture - from seeds. Ampelous balsams can also be propagated from cuttings. is considered the birthplace of this tropical plant. Back in 1596, balsam was brought to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity. The first cultivated species were bred there. There are three of them: garden balsam, New Guinea and Wallera.

New Guinea balsam

This species originates from Hawker's balsam, for this reason they are in some cases called "Hawker's balsams." Blooms mainly in summer. The flowers are large and come in a variety of colors. Leaves and shoots are burgundy or purple. In flower shops you can find more than 80 varieties. The first hybrid was developed in the USA in 1972. They are grown at home or as an annual plant in the garden. Plants of this species prefer warmth, tolerate the sun well and are not afraid of low indoor humidity; they are more hardy than other species.

It is an annual plant with a delicate stem. It reaches a height of 70 cm and blooms all summer. The flowers are located along the stem. You can find double, simple or colored flowers. Due to the fact that the plant has a very fragile stem, it is recommended to carefully select the planting site. Impatiens should be protected from strong winds, rain and bright sun. Seeds of garden balsams are immediately planted in a permanent place, sometimes propagated by cuttings.

Propagation from seeds

Chandelier balsam is picky about its conditions, so it is best to grow it by gardeners who have accumulated sufficient experience.

Balsam cultivation begins with planting seeds. The soil should contain peat, sand, vermiculite and compost. Before planting seeds, treat the pot and soil with a fungicidal agent to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. In addition, it is recommended to pickle the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate - about ten minutes, then wash them with clean warm water.

Planting rules:

the seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil;
press them into the ground with light pressure;
covered with sand;
cover the container with seeds with plastic wrap;
The container with the seeds is transferred to a warm, well-lit place.

Seeds germinate at temperatures from +22 to +25 °C. As soon as the first sprouts appear, the temperature is lowered to +20 °C and the film is removed. Impatiens should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this plant has very delicate seeds that do not tolerate ultraviolet radiation. As soon as the first three leaves appear, the plant is picked. It is recommended to replant the plant in the garden in early spring (one hundred days after planting the seeds in the pot). Ampelous balsams, reviews of which are mainly devoted to growing at home from seeds, come down to the following:

when planting, avoid drafts;
the first shoots appear after about three weeks;
It is better to plant seeds at a large distance from each other, so that when picking, the roots can be easily separated;
an adult plant with dense branches and all dotted with beautiful flowers;
flowers look beautiful in a hanging pot.

Growing balsam from seeds is not easy, but if you follow all the requirements, you will end up with a healthy and long-flowering plant that can decorate any room.

Chandelier balsam: care

Impatiens are usually grown in small pots. If the container is too large, the plant will not bloom.

The plant must be fed every seven days. The fertilizing should contain copper, iron, boron, zinc, molybdenum and manganese. Water the balsam every day, but not too much. Waller's balsam does not tolerate stagnant water. Unlike seeds, a mature plant needs sunlight. If there are at least six hours of sun during the day, the plant will bloom a lot and for a long time.

As soon as the balsam has bloomed, it should be trimmed and moved to a cool place with a temperature no higher than +15 °C, and the frequency of watering should be reduced. New shoots, as a rule, appear towards the end of winter, at which time the balsam needs to be moved to a warm room and watering increased.

In winter, the flower should be placed in a bright, cool room and watered moderately. If the temperature drops below +15 °C, black spots may appear on the shoots - bacteriosis. In this case, you should water the plant with a solution of phytosporin or tetracycline antibacterial agents - 1 tablet or capsule per glass of water. The next way to save a plant is to cut off healthy shoots. Acidic soil also causes the development of this disease. Dark-colored varieties are more durable than light-colored flowers.

Content problems

Chandelier balsam, the cultivation of which we are discussing today, can cause some difficulties if not properly cared for:

Lack of light in the room - the flowers turn pale.
A sharp cold snap, dry or cold air, low humidity, dry soil - flowering stops, flowers and buds fall off.
A cramped pot, lack of nutrients in the soil - plant growth slows down.
Low air temperature, insufficient watering - drooping leaves.
Insufficient lighting, cold air, waterlogged soil - the roots and base of the stems rot.

Diseases and pests

In winter, balsam is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially gray rot. To eliminate this problem, the roots of the plant are cleaned from the old soil and the balsam is transplanted into a new container with soil.

If there is little humidity in the room, the plant is attacked by spider mites. The initial sign is curled leaves that fall off over time. To combat spider mites, special means are used.

When infested with whitefly, the leaves turn yellow. As a rule, it settles on the inside of the lower leaves. The following drugs are used to treat the plant: “Fufanon”, “Decis” and others.

Beneficial features

A decoction of fresh balsam leaves is used as an adjuvant for stones in the bladder and kidneys. A decoction added to the bath will relieve pain in rheumatological diseases. To treat wounds, ulcers and hemorrhoids, applications are made from the leaves. A tincture of roots, flowers and seeds helps with fatigue and relieves headaches.

However, we must remember that balsam is toxic and its chemical composition has not been sufficiently studied, for this reason therapy should be carried out very carefully. In case of overdose, the following symptoms appear:

dizziness;
vomit.

There is an opinion that the color of balsam buds can influence a person with its energy flows:

orange - awakens sexuality;
red - increases physical activity;
purple - stimulates mental abilities;
white - generates spirituality;
pink - evokes emotion.

Impatiens (IMPATIENS) is an ornamental plant, also known as “impatiens” and “wet Roly”. Florists know over 600 plant species. It blooms with white, pink, red flowers, up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The structure of the flowers is double or semi-double. There are also multi-colored balsam, the cultivation of which from seeds does not seem particularly difficult, both for professionals and for beginners in floriculture. The flower is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

A lush and beautiful plant does not leave a single person indifferent. It deserves only the most positive reviews from everyone who has at least once encountered the process of growing a flower.

In addition, various legends, signs and superstitions are associated with the plant. According to one legend, balsam is a lantern turned into a flower, which was lit by the bride in anticipation of her groom, who had gone to war. The groom did not return, but his beloved did not lose hope and did not extinguish the lantern all her life. After her death, it turned into a delightful flower that has a positive effect on people's thoughts and feelings.

Selection of seed

Wet Vanka flower is an unpretentious plant, the seeds of which remain suitable for sowing for 7-8 years after collection. Naturally, it is possible to obtain a greater number of seedlings only from freshly harvested seeds, therefore, when purchasing seed, special attention should be paid to the date of its collection. There are many varieties of balsam, some types of plants are annual, others are perennial. Detailed information about the number of years during which the impatiens will delight the garden plot is available on the packaging.

Annual plants are most suitable for planting in pots and placing them on the balcony; perennials can easily take root in the garden. The common belief that balsam is an indoor flower is completely wrong.

The best seeds are produced exclusively by large companies. The reliability of the manufacturer is the key to obtaining exactly the plant indicated on the package. The quality of seeds sold on the market secondhand is in most cases questionable.

So, the main thing you should pay attention to when planning to grow balsam from seeds at home is:

time of seed collection;
annual or perennial plants are offered for sale;
a mixture, or one variety is in a bag;
the name of the brand that sells seeds.

Balsam seeds

If desired, you can obtain balsam seeds yourself. To do this, it is necessary to artificially pollinate an adult plant during the flowering period. This should be done with caution, using a soft brush and gloves. Pollen is taken from flowering buds and carried to the pistils. Upon completion of flowering, fruits are formed, during the ripening process of which translucent boxes with seeds are formed. The seeds are collected in such a way that the capsules remain intact. The seeds are very small, similar to dust, and when the shell breaks, the capsules scatter instantly. The collected seed should be sent for drying and then stored in a paper bag.

note

It is best to collect seeds in the morning. The fruit covered with dew becomes wet and slippery, and the chance of crushing the dry capsule with your hands decreases.

You can grow any variety of balsam from seeds.

Basic landing rules

Balsam seeds (vanka wet) are planted in mid-March. Before planting, the seeds should be left for 10 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate, then soaked in warm water for 24 hours.

To plant the plant, loose, slightly acidic soil is required. To prepare such soil, you need peat, vermiculite, leaf soil, and river sand. Ready-made soil mixture is sold in stores. Before using it, you need to add some sand to the pot. Sand is necessary to quickly remove excess moisture from the soil. Otherwise, the roots of young plants may rot.

The height of the seedling pot should not exceed 7 centimeters. Its bottom must be covered with a layer of expanded clay, at least 2 centimeters thick. Expanded clay will prevent water retention in the soil layer and will serve as another guarantee of the safety of the root system.

Before planting the seeds, the pot is filled with soil previously soaked in Fitosporin solution. Pre-treatment significantly improves the soil microflora and protects the plant from certain diseases.

note

The planted seeds are scattered over the soil layer. It is not advisable to cover them with soil, as this will deprive the seedlings of the sunlight they need.

The seeds should be at an equal distance from each other. To ensure contact with the ground, they are lightly pressed into the soil and sprayed with water. The pot of seeds is placed in a plastic bag filled with air and placed on the windowsill. You should avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and raising the room temperature above 25 and below 22 degrees.

Seedling care

The first shoots will appear by the end of the 3rd week. During this time, it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the artificial greenhouse by opening the bag and spraying the seeds with water from a spray bottle. In the absence of natural light sources, the plant should be illuminated with a special lamp.

After emergence, the roots of the plant must be sprinkled with a small amount of soil, the bag removed and the seedlings planted in different containers. At the same time, it is necessary to change the plant’s watering system. It is best to place the pots on trays and fill them with water daily. For planting young plants, it is best to use plastic cups with drainage holes and a layer of expanded clay at the bottom. Caring for balsam at home is very simple.

note

Lack of light can lead to unnatural elongation of young shoots. To prevent this, during the picking process the lower parts of long stems are buried deeper. The plant should be picked immediately after shoots appear.

At home, balsam develops quickly, the plants begin to branch and soon turn into small fluffy bushes. It is better to pinch the upper part of young plants with special scissors. In this case, the shape of an adult plant will be more accurate.

Hardening and transplanting

From the beginning of May, containers with plants can be taken outside. This is done so that young balsams get used to temperature changes and are not afraid of possible cold snaps. Plants are taken out only for the day; at night the seedlings should be taken back into the room. Such hardening lasts at least 2 weeks. If the weather becomes cold outside, the duration of the hardening period increases.

Around the end of May, plants planted in March can be transplanted into permanent pots or into open ground.

Balsam (wet vanilla) does not tolerate low temperatures. A temperature drop below 5 degrees Celsius is a cause for alarm. For irrigation, use warm, settled water. The plant can be replanted in open ground only after the air temperature rises to 20 degrees. New Guinea balsam deserves special attention.

Seedlings must be planted at a distance of 25-30 centimeters from each other. Balsam loves diffused light; it is not advisable to plant it in the shade. The plant is unpretentious to the soil layer, but feels best on chernozem, well-fertilized soils. Immediately after transplantation, young plants should be watered and fed abundantly. Impatiens need to be sprayed periodically. The effect of moisture on the plant gives a positive result even when the flower is sick.

After transplantation, attention must be paid to pest control. Impatiens are susceptible to spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. Diseased plants are best removed.

Feeding balsam begins in early spring and ends in August. The benefits of fertilizing to achieve lush flowering are undeniable.

The pot for balsam should be small. The roots of the flower must completely fill the entire container provided to them. Otherwise, it simply will not bloom.

Cuttings

If there is a shortage of the desired variety of seeds on sale, balsam can be obtained independently by cuttings. At the beginning of June, pots with young plants are removed to a shaded place. Elongated branches are cut off, placed in a container with water or wet sand, and covered with film. After 7-8 days, the first roots should appear. Branches with roots are planted in separate pots, regularly watered and sprayed. There is nothing easier than growing balsam from cuttings.

Cuttings, as a method of propagating balsam, can be used at any time of the year. Plants take root best in spring, summer and autumn, but in a greenhouse, winter propagation is also possible.

Varieties

As a houseplant, impatiens have been grown for many years. People have received dwarf, sultana-shaped, orchid and small-flowered varieties of this plant.

The most popular are:

terry balsam Athena aphrodite;
camellia balsam, the photo of which is presented below;
terry balsam Athena Artemis;
impreza cherry splash balsam;
balsam impreza punch;
balsam extreme white;
wallera athena.

New Guinea balsam

New Guinea balsam Divine deserves special attention in terms of ease of propagation by seeds. The plant is characterized by abundant flowering and is grown in indoor greenhouse conditions or in the garden. Blooms in summer, the colors of the flowers are bright.

Waller's balsam

Among lovers of hanging plants, there are many fans of balsam Valera Atena Appleblossom. This variety of balsam blooms most of the summer, tolerates heat well, the diameter of the flowers reaches 5 centimeters, the flowers themselves are two-colored. The inside of the flower is pink, the outside is white. In terms of its popularity, this variety of balsam often competes with such a plant as New Guinea balsam. The flower has a compact, strong stem, fleshy, elongated leaves and large inflorescences. It should be cared for in the same way as other varieties. The only difference is the plant’s increased love for light.

Balsam Tom Samb Salmon

Some hybrid varieties of balsam, such as Balsam Salmon, are also characterized by abundant flowering. The flowers are double, pleasant to the touch, their colors are ambiguous, there are plants in which more than 2 shades are mixed.

Waller's balsam

Waller's balsams are also considered a no less beautiful and unpretentious plant, photos of which are available below. Waller's balsam is a temptation of light pink shades and an orange misunderstanding at the same time. Growing garden balsam of this variety from seeds is quite difficult, but still quite possible. In warm climates, the plant is cultivated as a perennial; in cool climates, exclusively as an annual.

Note! While searching for new varieties of plants on the Internet, you can come across such a phrase as “impalers in Dankov”. It has nothing to do with flowers, but will be of interest to those who are fans of small cozy restaurants, stylized as historical antiquities.

Hanging plants occupy a special place in any garden; they often decorate windows, balconies, terraces and gazebos. Balsam is in particular demand, among its varieties there are indoor and garden flowers. To grow an ampelous variety from seeds, you need to select high-quality seed and mix the soil that is optimal for its growth.

Description

Balsam has more than 500 species and hybrids. Its homeland is Africa and Asia. This flower was brought to Europe back in 1596, since then it has not lost its popularity, as it can delight its owners with year-round flowering in or in a greenhouse. It has many popular names: wisp, impatiens and evergreen. Its stems can reach a length of 50 cm.

The leaves have different colors: green, bronze and reddish-green. They are fleshy and their edges are wavy. When the humidity is high outdoors or indoors, the leaves of the plant become covered with dew, for which the flower received the name “wet Vanka”.

Impeller balsam

Impatiens flowers are located in the axils of the leaves. Their color can be very diverse: yellow, orange, crimson, scarlet, white, lilac, pink and purple. Flower petals may have spots and stripes of contrasting shades.

Hybrids of this plant are distinguished by double flowers and numerous flat leaves. The flowers are small, but when flowering they abundantly decorate the bush.

When the plant fades, green fruits appear in place of the flowers, forming capsules with seeds. When they are fully ripe, at the slightest touch they open and you can collect seeds from them. The flower received the name “touch-me-not” precisely because of this.

But what varieties of garden balsam are there, and what they look like. This will help you understand

In the video - ampelous balsam:

Impatiens can be grown as perennials in pots, or as annuals on balconies or in gardens.

Varieties

Thanks to the intensive work of breeders, many varieties and hybrids of ampelous balsam have appeared, which differ in size, color of leaves and flowers.

Among the most common varieties are the following.

Name	Description
Tumbler White	The flowers bloom with a diameter of 4-5 cm, their color is white.
Atena Coral Pink	Terry inflorescences are scarlet in color, their diameter is the same as that of the previous variety.
Scarlet	The flowers are painted red and are 4-5 cm in diameter.
Atena Red Flash	The color of numerous flowers is red with white splashes.
Tumblr Rose	The bush is decorated with pink flowers.
Violet Star	The dark pink inflorescences have white stripes that extend from the center of the flower and continue to the middle of the petal.
Wallera Athena Appleblossom	The diameter of the flowers is from 4 to 5 cm, the outer side of the petals is white, and the inner side is painted pink.
Tumbler Salmon	The flowers are salmon-colored, their diameter is from 2.5 to 3.5 cm.

How and when to plant?

Video on how to grow flowers:

The seeds are placed on the surface of the prepared pot with an even distance from each other, this will ensure uniform germination of the plant. The seeds are lightly pressed, but not completely immersed in the ground, so that they can receive enough light to germinate. Sometimes they are covered with a small layer of sand, but this is not necessary.

After planting the seeds in a pot, it is transferred to a warm and bright place, preferably on a windowsill, but the seedlings must be protected from direct sunlight. But you can learn how to plant a willow from a twig into a pot from this

To germinate balsam, you need to create a greenhouse effect; you can cover the container with the seeds with film or place glass on it, then periodically open it and shake off the condensation that collects from it. If you need to moisten the soil with a spray bottle. Sprouts will appear three weeks after planting; if this does not happen, you will have to sow the container with other seeds.

How to care?

When three leaves appear on the seedlings, you will need to pick the seedlings. They can be replanted in peat or plastic cups. Balsam is very moisture-loving, but it should not be overwatered, as this will damage its roots. If the seedlings have grown elongated, they should simply be placed deeper into the ground when picking. After this, the plant still needs greenhouse conditions, so you should not immediately remove the film from the pots; you need to gradually tame the seedlings, sometimes opening the glass or film for a while.

Young balsam shoots soon begin to create mini bushes; if this does not happen, then you need to pinch the tops with them; the more side shoots that come from it, the bushier the plant will be.

After picking, seedlings must be sprayed regularly, especially in hot weather. Once the plant has formed strong roots, it can be planted in open ground or in pots. The right time for this is mid-June.

Video shows how to grow from seeds:

Diseases and pests

In winter, the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases, and gray rot attacks it especially often. It can be eliminated using the following method: clean the roots of the plant from the old soil, replant it in new soil and a pot.

When there is little humidity in the room where balsam grows, spider mites annoy it. The first sign of its settlement on a plant is curled leaves that begin to fall off on their own. Medicines in the form of Karate, Dimitam and Actellik will help you cope with the tick.

The presence of whitefly on balsam bushes is indicated by yellowing leaves. It usually settles on the inside of the lower leaves. You can get rid of it by using special means: Decis, Fufanon and others.

Growing balsam from seeds is not easy, but if you follow all the recommendations, you can eventually get healthy and long-flowering bushes. They will decorate any garden, house and balcony. The decorative effect of the plant is established even during the growth of the seedlings, to enhance it it is worth periodically spraying the plant with “Zircon” or “Kornevin”.

Impatiens is a fairly popular indoor and garden plant, numbering more than 300 species, including annual and perennial, erect, climbing and hanging specimens. Among cultivated plants, Waller's balsam is the most popular.

How to grow ampelous balsam from seeds?

F1 hybrids obtained from Waller's balsam are suitable for growing ampelous balsam from seeds. In this case, sowing balsam seeds for seedlings must be done 100 days before the intended planting of plants in the ground. This time falls around mid-March.

If you plant seeds earlier, additional lighting of the seedlings will be required. The soil for planting should consist of sand, vermiculite, compost or leaf soil. Sand and vermiculite are necessary for looseness.

The soil and seedling box are treated with a fungicide or phytosporin to prevent the appearance of fungus. It is also advisable to keep the seeds themselves for 10 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate, followed by rinsing them under warm water.

Next, the seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil, pressing slightly and lightly sprinkling with sand. The container with moistened soil and seeds is placed under film or glass and kept at a temperature of +22..25ºС in a lighted place.

With the appearance of sprouts, the film (glass) is gradually removed, and when the first true leaf appears, the temperature is reduced to +20ºС. Tender seedlings are afraid of direct sun. When the first three leaves appear on the seedlings from the seeds, the balsam is picked.

The volume of the pot for ampelous balsam should not be too large, otherwise the plant will not bloom. The flower does not like stagnant moisture, so it needs to be watered little by little, but every day. Impatiens can be planted in open ground when the weather becomes warm without the threat of frost.

To this day there is no exact theory regarding the origin of this flower. Many legends have been preserved among the people, but none of them have been confirmed. It is only known that the subtropics of Africa and North America are considered the plant’s homeland. The first plants appeared in Europe in 1596, after which they began to be in great demand. In natural conditions, ampelous balsam prefers warm climates and high humidity.

Waller's balsam terry. This type of plant is considered the most decorative (you can find out more nuances about Waller's balsam). It is the parent of many modern hybrids. It blooms profusely with reddish-brown leaves and succulent stems. There are so many flowers that sometimes they cover all the leaves.

Hawker's Balsam. It is the parent of such hybrids as Impatiens New Guinea. It is distinguished by elongated leaves and large buds. Impatiens blooms throughout the year. Responds positively to plenty of sunlight.

Niamey balsam. This variety actively decorates balconies and apartments, as it is particularly decorative. It is characterized by red, yellow, bicolor flowers, the shape of which resembles beans.

Appearance and features

This herbaceous plant can be grown as. Belongs to the balsam family. The stems of the plant are succulent and branched. Their height is 15-50 cm. The leaves are green, reddish-green, and wavy at the edges. With high humidity, droplets of liquid form at the tips.

The flowers of the crop are located in the axils of the leaves; their color can be:

white;
pink;
orange;
red;
lilac;
with stripes and spots.

Hybrids with double flowers and multi-colored leaves were obtained. The size of the flowers is 6-8 cm. Despite their small size, they are very bright, like lights.

At the end of flowering, balsam produces green fruits. After ripening, they form a dry box with changes. Sometimes it is enough to lightly touch it, and the seeds simply scatter to the sides. Because of this feature, the plant is popularly called “touch-me-not.” It is not for nothing that the culture is called the everlasting flower, because flowering is abundant and observed almost throughout the year.

Photo

Balsam looks like this:

Landing rules

Planting activities are limited to compliance with the following recommendations:

Plant seeds for seedlings in mid-March. Before planting, soak them in a solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection, and then rinse with warm water.
For planting, prepare containers, fill with substrate and spread out the planting material, lightly pressing down and sprinkling with a thin layer of sand.
Water the soil a little and cover the container itself with film or glass. This will keep you warm.
Place the container with seedlings in a warm and sufficiently lit place. Direct sunlight is dangerous for balsam. But without sun the plant will not grow well. So you will have to look for a place in the house that has a lot of indirect sunlight.
Every day, remove the film or glass for ventilation. Make sure that the soil does not dry out.
As soon as 3 leaves are formed, pick. For planting in separate pots, choose containers that are not too large. Chandelier balsam feels comfortable in tight spaces.
After planting, water daily. At the same time, make sure that there is no stagnation of water.

Let's watch the video, which shows in great detail the process of sowing balsam seeds for seedlings:

Lighting and location

Attention! The flower is unpretentious to lighting. It can grow quietly even in the corner of a room. But it is possible to achieve abundant and constant flowering only if there is bright light.

You should not keep a flower on a south-facing window at the height of summer. or you need to create protection for it from the scorching rays of the sun. East and west windows are perfect. In summer, take the balsam out onto the balcony.

A flowering plant will be an excellent decoration for the garden, but it should not be planted in full sun. Light partial shade is suitable.

To plant ampelous balsam, it is necessary to prepare a loose, slightly acidic substrate. You can prepare it if you take the following components in equal quantities:

peat;
vermiculite;
leaf soil;
river sand.

Ready-made soil composition can be purchased at the store. Before using it, place a little sand in the pot. It is necessary for quickly removing excess moisture from the soil. If this is not done, the root system of young plants will rot.

How to properly care?

Watering

Impeller balsam is a moisture-loving crop. It is distinguished by juicy and moisture-filled stems. If there is a lack of water, the flower will not disappear, but will lose its elasticity and drop its lower leaves. In summer, provide abundant watering. The soil should always be moist. In winter, reduce moisture, preventing the earthen clod from drying out. Stagnation of liquid in the pan is harmful, as it is fraught with rotting of the roots and stems.

Top dressing

It is necessary to fertilize every 2 weeks, starting from April and ending in August. Mineral fertilizers intended for flowering plants are excellent for this. Make sure that nitrogen fertilizers are not in excess, as this will lead to rapid growth of stems and inhibit the formation of flowers.

The plant responds positively to Kemira. This is a fertilizer that contains the following components:

phosphorus;
nitrogen;
magnesium;
potassium;
manganese;
copper;
zinc;
iron;
molybdenum.

Advice. For long and abundant flowering, use brown Crystal (1 tbsp/5 l of water). Apply it once a week.

State of rest

At the end of flowering, cut off the flower stalks and place the plant in a cool place where the temperature exceeds +15 degrees. At the same time, water the balsam sparingly. When new shoots form in February, place the flower in a room with a higher temperature and water more often.

In winter, ampelous balsam is exposed to fungal diseases, and especially gray rot. To eliminate this problem, you need to clean the roots of the plant from the old soil and replant it in a new container with soil.

If the humidity in the room is low, this is fraught with an attack by spider mites. This can be determined by the curled leaves. They fall off over time. The following drugs will help eliminate spider mites: Actellik, Neoron.

The plant can be infested with whitefly, which causes the leaves to turn yellow. Insects settle on the inside of the lower leaves. Fufaron and Decis are used for treatment.

Features of reproduction

Ampelous balsam is propagated by seeds or cuttings from apical shoots. Each of these methods has its own characteristics:

The seeds of the plant are large. Sold in a mixture. They are planted in February in greenhouses. They germinate in 3-4 weeks at a temperature of 23-25 degrees.
Cut stems 8-10 cm long in spring or summer and root them in water. You can use moist soil with added sand. The cuttings take root after a few days, and then they are transplanted into separate small pots. After 2-3 months, young seedlings can bloom.

We will learn in detail how to carry out cuttings of ampelous balsam by watching the following video:

Ampelous balsam is valued by gardeners due to its abundant, bright flowering and ease of care. Thanks to the presence of a wide palette of shades, everyone can create a full-fledged flower arrangement on their balcony that will delight them with its beauty almost all year round.

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