Balsam: The Playful Heirloom of Old-Fashioned Gardens

Once a cherished staple in Victorian flower beds, Balsam (Impatiens balsamina), also known as “Touch-Me-Not,” is as delightful as it is beautiful. This bushy, tender annual grows 18–36 inches tall, its lush green foliage giving way to an explosion of rose-like blossoms in shades of pink, white, purple, and red.

But its real charm lies in its seed pods—nature’s own little surprise. When touched, they burst open, scattering seeds in an instant, a playful feature that has enchanted gardeners for generations. Children and pollinators alike can’t resist the magic of this heirloom plant.

Perfect for cottage gardens, borders, or container planting, Balsam thrives in warm, sunny spots with rich, well-drained soil. Though its blooms may appear delicate, this plant is a resilient beauty, gracing gardens with its vintage charm all season long. Let it self-seed, and you may just find its cheerful presence returning year after year, a little piece of history carried forward on the breeze.