Impatiens sulcata
Impatiens sulcatafam. Balsaminaceae
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Pl. C856 — Impatiens sulcata
Impatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcataImpatiens sulcata
IOverview
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.
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.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors after the last frost in spring, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting.
- 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
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
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide partial shade to avoid scorching, especially if full sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape. Remove any yellowing leaves for better air circulation.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting regular fertilization, not pruning regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaNepalPakistan
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
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
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c8561482-c922-4265-a5d0-15280695ef19
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