These plants are closely related to the wild Touch-menots and, like them, have characteristic seed pods which open suddenly when touched. The blooms are of many delicate colors-white, flesh pink, salmon, rose, purple and violet. The plants grow 18 inches tall and the stems are juicy and thick.
Balsams are rather formal plants of neat, compact habit.
The flowers are produced close to the stem almost hidden among the leaves, and some gardeners remove a few of the leaves to better disclose the blossoms. The plants clay be grouped in the border or used as low hedges. Some gardeners pot them for Summer porch decoration and claim they are as beautiful as Azaleas. Seed may be sown indoors, as growing the plants in small pots for a few weeks will dwarf them and make them more compact. May. The plants will cover 12 inches to 18 inches of space.