Touch-Me-Not
Impatiens noli-tangere
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Pl. 6DAA — Impatiens noli-tangere
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IOverview
Overview
Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens noli-tangere) is a light-loving, moisture-seeking herb that thrives in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America. Native to regions including Alaska, Albania, Alberta, and Austria, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for its edible parts—leaves, seeds, and shoots—it also serves as an ornamental with its distinctive, delicate flowers. Touch-Me-Not prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5, making it versatile in garden settings. Its annual life cycle and height of up to 1 meter contribute to its prominence in both wild and cultivated landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Touch-Me-Not?
Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens noli-tangere) is a light-loving, moisture-seeking herb that thrives in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America. Native to regions including Alaska, Albania, Alberta, and Austria, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens noli-tangere) thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light to heavy and prefer a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5 to 9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. This plant prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. For propagation, seeds or cuttings are effective methods. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, shoots, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Touch-Me-Not for the first time
8steps
Start with Touch-Me-Not for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, a garden spot that gets partial shade.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide light shade and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially in hot weather. Deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to provide shade in hot weather, not deadheading flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: The touch-me-not (Impatiens noli-tangere) is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, shoots, and seeds are typically eaten raw or cooked. These parts are often added to salads for a mild taste or used as a vegetable in soups and stews. Skip the preparation details if you're looking for specific recipes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaIran
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Amur, Baltic States, Altay, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia, British Columbia, East Himalaya, Irkutsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6daa5195-5d8b-4c5b-b18b-55ca7dd1f718
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