This is the first time I have grown Balsam. It is in the Impatiens family. This variety is a sun lover and thrives in the heat. The seeds are large and they germinate really quickly. This would be a great plant to grow with children because the seeds are easy to handle and the plants spring up quickly. Its nickname is Touch-Me-Not because the seed pods burst open when they are touched even slightly - another fun thing for children.
Balsam is a traditional Asian medicinal herb used to treat such ailments as snakebites, ingestion of poisonous fish, rheumatism, warts, and fingernail coloring. The leaves are edible and taste mustardy when cooked.
All in all a really cool plant. It will be in my seed purchasing list from now on, and I hope for volunteers next spring as well.
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