Balsam flower (often called garden balsam or touch-me-not, scientifically Impatiens balsamina) is an easy, old-fashioned annual that does very well in Tennessee’s warm climate. It’s great if you want something low-maintenance that reseeds itself.
When to Plant (Tennessee timing)
- Plant after last frost (mid–late April)
- Or start indoors 3–4 weeks early, but it’s usually not necessary
Light & Location
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Space 12″ apart
Soil
- Likes rich, well-drained soil
- Mix in compost for best growth
- Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy
Watering
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Balsam wilts quickly if dry, but usually bounces back after watering
Growth & Care
- Grows 1–3 feet tall
- Blooms mid-summer through fall
- Colors: pink, purple, white, red
- Minimal fertilizing needed if soil is decent
Maintenance
- No deadheading required
- Can get a bit leggy—pinch tips early for bushier plants
- May self-seed heavily (you’ll likely see volunteers next year)
Bonus: Pollinators
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Good addition to a pollinator garden alongside natives like:
- coneflowers
- bee balm
- asters
Watch Out
- Can develop powdery mildew in humid conditions
- Space plants well
- Water at the base, not on leaves
Pro Tip for Your Area
In Middle Tennessee, balsam thrives when:
- Planted in a spot with morning sun + afternoon shade
- Given mulch to keep roots cool and moist
Garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is an annual, meaning each individual plant completes its life cycle in one season and dies after frost.
Why it seems perennial
Balsam is a prolific self-seeder:
- It produces lots of seeds (those “touch-me-not” pods that pop)
- Seeds drop and overwinter in the soil
- New plants sprout the following spring
So even though the original plant dies, you’ll often see it come back in the same spot year after year.
In Middle Tennessee
- Very likely to reseed successfully
- You may get even more plants each year if you let seeds mature
- Seedlings usually appear late spring (May-ish)
How to control it
- Want it to come back?
Let seed pods dry and drop naturally - Want fewer plants?
Pull some seedlings early or deadhead before seeds form - Want to move it?
Collect seeds and scatter where you want next season
Bottom line
- Not a true perennial
- But behaves like a “reliable reseeding annual” in Tennessee