TOUCH ME NOT Jewelweed, Impatiens balfourii
Impatiens balfourii is a species of the genus Impatiens known by the common names Balfour's touch-me-not, Kashmir balsam, and poor man's orchid. The Latin name Impatiens means "impatient" or "intolerant" and refers to the explosive dehiscence of the fruits, which burst at the slightest touch as a means of scattering the seeds.
This is an annual herb growing 15–120 cm (5.9–47.2 in) in height. Its stem is glabrous, reddish, lined and very branched. It has alternately arranged, oval to lance-shaped, toothed, stalked leaves up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long. The inflorescence is a raceme generally bearing 4 to 8 flowers. Each flower is about 2 cm (0.79 in) long, with one of its white sepals forming a long, thin spur, and two of its yellow-dotted lavender or pink petals extending from the mouth.
The flowering period extends from July through September. The fruits are glabrous capsules about 20 mm (0.79 in) long and the seeds are dispersed when the fruits burst, launching them up to 6 m (20 ft) away.
It is native to the Himalayas, particularly Kashmir and surrounding areas. It was brought back to England and many other European countries as a garden plant, and then it became popular in the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of the United States. It can now be found growing wild as a garden escapee in Europe, on the US Pacific Coast, and in Wisconsin.
Hardiness zones: 5-11
Location: Shade or part shade
Height: 60-75cm, 2-2.5 feet
Seeds per pack: 3
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.
