How to Collect and Save Balsam Seeds

Balsam, "Impatiens balsamina," is an old-fashioned, annual, flowering plant that is regaining popularity. The flowers are sometimes referred to as lady slippers because of the shape of the blossom. Other old-fashioned sources sometimes refer to the plant as snap weeds or touch-me-nots. Both names refer to the fascinating habit of the ripe seedpods. When the seeds are ready to be harvested, a slight touch will cause the pods to burst open. Balsam is a very easy plant to grow and is particularly suited to cottage and informal gardening styles as it self sows very easily. However, many gardeners prefer to start the plants in a confinement and place them in specific locations around the garden, so if you wish to arrange your balsam more formally or if you wish to share the seeds with a friend, you will want to collect and save some seed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Balsam seedpod.

   Balsam seeds are a moderate sized seed and easy to handle. The balsam seedpods are about quarter inch long oval pods containing five to twelve seeds in each pod.

2. 
    
   Burst seedpod.

   Balsam seeds are fun to collect. When the pods are ripe and the seeds are ready to pick, the pods will respond to a slight touch or gentle squeeze by bursting open, revealing the seeds, dropping the seeds on the ground, or even shooting them out at you.

3. Collect your balsam seeds. Separate them from any lingering bits of seedpod and spread them out to dry on some paper towels or newspaper. Allow the seeds to dry for several days. By allowing the seeds to dry out before placing them in a container, you prevent the growth of mold or the possibility that the seeds may rot due to too much moisture.

4. Pick through the dried seed discarding any seeds that are greenish colored or shriveled.

5. Place the seeds in a clean, dry container. Make sure the container you use is moisture proof. While cloth or paper packaging is decorative, the materials are susceptible to moisture and are not recommended for seed storage.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a label for the container that lists the variety of seeds, and the month and year that you collected the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry location.