Balsam : Ornamental herb

Ornamental plants include trees and bushes. Herbs can also serve an ornamental purpose. Balsam is a great example of an eye-catching herb. Gardeners should consider growing this crop.

Impatiens is the scientific name for balsam. It is also called "Vanka wet." This plant group includes both annual and perennial types. All balsams belong to the Impatiens family. Balsam comes from tropical and subtropical areas. It grows naturally in Zanzibar and East Africa.

Some balsam types now grow in Central Asia. Europeans have known balsam since 1596. Since then, it has become a popular houseplant. Balsam flowers for a very long time. Its stems grow straight up. They can reach up to 0.5 meters tall.

Balsam stems are juicy and smooth. They also have many branches. Leaves range from 0.08 to 0.12 meters long. The leaves are shaped like spears or ovals. Their edges have teeth. Leaves can be green or purple-bronze. Flowers grow from where the leaves meet the stem.

Plant breeders have created balsam with double flowers. These flowers come in many colors. However, there are no yellow or blue balsam plants yet. After flowering, green fruits form. These fruits turn into dry capsules as they ripen. Each capsule holds up to 100 seeds per 0.001 kg.


The seed capsules burst open when touched. Seeds shoot out from the valves. They can travel up to 2 meters.

Balsam is easy to grow. It does not need special conditions.