TOUCH ME NOT, JEWELWEED Impatiens capensis
A native wildflower in much of North America, Jewelweed is a fun wildflower because once the seed pods ripen, if touched, they 'pop' and shoot their seeds long distances! Extra fun for kids, and fun trying to harvest them! These seeds are for the exotic-looking orange/red flowers, spotted, and a favorite of hummingbirds. Grow these plants in a mainly d area. They are quite tolerant of dry soil, and even acidic soils under evergreen trees.
When we first became aware of Jewelweed we thought these plants were perennials because our plants are in the same grouping every year, and grow to their full height quite quickly. They are in fact, annuals, that are extremely reliable, and require absolutely no maintenance to get them to appear each year! We grow them in zone 4 (really cold Canadian winters) though they have the largest hardiness range of any plants that we are aware of from zone 2 (really, really, really cold) to zone 11 (tropical).
Hardiness Zones: 2-11, virtually all of North America and beyond!
Location: or part
Height: 3-4'
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: These seeds can be planted directly outdoors in summer/fall, and they will grow naturally in the spring. If growing indoors, obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Use regular soil, nothing amended with fertilizers or manure of any kind. A seed start mix can also be used if mixed with 1/3 sand. Place the seeds just below the surface of the soil and water lightly. Place the container in the fridge for 90 days, and then put into warmth for them to germinate. Keep lightly most until germination.
