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Impatiens sulcata

Impatiens sulcatafam. Balsaminaceae
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edibleannualannualedibleedible leafornamentalshade tolerant
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Impatiens sulcata (Impatiens sulcata) — botanical photograph
Pl. C856 — Impatiens sulcata
Impatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcata
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Overview

Impatiens sulcata, commonly known as the East Himalayan touch-me-not, is an annual herb native to the mountainous regions of East and West Himalaya, including Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade, making it suitable for gardens that mimic its natural habitat. Standing up to 1.5 meters tall, I. sulcata is known for both its ornamental value and its edible parts, which include the leaves and seeds. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow well in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and its requirement for ample moisture. This plant can be propagated through seeds and is particularly useful for gardens that need an annual with both aesthetic appeal and culinary potential. While primarily grown for its ornamental value and edible parts, I. sulcata's adaptability to different soil conditions makes it a versatile addition to any garden setting. However, it is important to note that while the plant is safe for consumption, no specific medicinal uses or dosages are recommended.

Quick answers

What is Impatiens sulcata?

Impatiens sulcata, commonly known as the East Himalayan touch-me-not, is an annual herb native to the mountainous regions of East and West Himalaya, including Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade, making it suitable for gardens that mimic its natural habitat.

Compare with:Impatiens ecalcarata→Impatiens edgeworthii→Impatiens tingens→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Impatiens sulcata thrives in partial sun to full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to regions like East Himalaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya. It's important to keep the soil consistently damp but avoid overwatering. Propagation can be done through seeds. Given its edible leaves and seeds, gardeners may want to include this plant in their gardens for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Impatiens sulcata for the first time

8steps

Start with easy-to-grow Impatiens sulcata for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden space, potting soil.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden or start indoors at 20-25°C and transplant seedlings after they have two true leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist. Provide partial shade to avoid scorching, especially if full sun is too intense.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape. Remove any yellowing leaves for better air circulation.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular fertilization, not pruning regularly.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaNepalPakistan
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Impatiens sulcata (Impatiens sulcata) — botanical photograph
Impatiens sulcata (Impatiens sulcata)
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See also

6 related

Plants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Balsaminaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.

XI

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