Rose Balsam
Impatiens balsaminafam. Balsaminaceae
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Pl. D8EC — Impatiens balsamina
Impatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsaminaImpatiens balsamina
IOverview
Overview
Rose Balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, is a colorful annual forb or herb native to India and Sri Lanka. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its ornamental value due to its vibrant flowers, Rose Balsam also has culinary uses, as its leaves, shoots, and seeds are edible. Its distinctive feature includes the explosive nature of its seed pods, which release seeds with a burst when touched or ripe.
Quick answers
What is Rose Balsam?
Rose Balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, is a colorful annual forb or herb native to India and Sri Lanka. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rose Balsam thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds. It is hardy in temperate regions and its edible parts include leaves, shoots, and seeds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Rose Balsam for the first time
8steps
Start with Rose Balsam to add vibrant color and easy care to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots or a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, usually late spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; containers should have drainage holes. For outdoor planting, choose a spot with partial sun or shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly sow outdoors after danger of frost. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sun is intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Pinch back shoots to encourage bushiness.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to promote more blooms and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pinching back.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Dyeoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)BulgariaFranceRussia
Asia6 regions
native (2)IndiaSri Lanka
introduced (4)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndia
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)Costa RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorHaiti
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)BeninCameroon
Broader regions
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Alabama, Brazil South, Caroline Is., Chagos Archipelago, Andaman Is., Cook Is., East Himalaya, Florida, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
6 related
See also
6 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Balsaminaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Balsaminaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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