skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Far North
glen3a

impatiens balfouri

21 years ago

I obtained some seeds of the above this spring from Gardens North. This was one plant that seemed to "struggle" while in the plastic cup I started it in, but really took off once planted in the garden.

Anyways, does anyone grow these? Do they self-sow in our climate? Or, do I have to manually save seeds and start early again next spring? Assuming I can find any seeds. I am not saying there aren't any, I just haven't looked up close.

Thanks,

Glen

Comments (5)

  • 21 years ago

    Assuming that Impatiens balfouri is like the other impatiens (and I believe it is), the secret to collecting seeds is to stand about 10' away with a catcher's
    mitt, LOL! Really...it's one of those with "explosive" seeds, so to speak. I imagine fastening a bag over some almost-ripe seedheads would do the trick though.

    I discovered on a sunny, hottish day earlier this summer that Euphorbia myrsinites is that way too...after wondering for a while what all the "popping" sounds were, and noticing little black missiles shooting around!

  • 21 years ago

    Missiles . . . that reminds me of an experience too!

    Some of you may know that witchhazel also has exploding capsules. I gathered some unopened ones one year and had them in a paper bag on the table. Not quite as loud, but when they started to dehisce it sounded like popcorn popping. The odd one would bore a hole through the bag and escape, continuing accross the room. And the seeds really do look like tiny torpedoes!

    Rick

  • Related Professionals

    Sarasota Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fort Worth Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Keene Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Portsmouth Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kennewick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kahului Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brunswick Landscape Contractors · Owensboro Landscape Contractors · Elkton Landscape Contractors · Keene Landscape Contractors · Oneonta Landscape Contractors · Yuma Landscape Contractors · Napa Landscape Contractors · Merced Basement Remodeling · Medford Basement Remodeling
  • 21 years ago

    LOL, those plants should come with a warning.

    So I checked my impatiens balfouri and it did indeed have seed pods, they resemble tiny peas or tiny beans.

    I touched one pod that looked full and jumped back when the thing exploded. I really didn't think it was ripe enough to explode.

    So, I then got an envelope and saved some of the seeds. Half of them shot out and on the ground. We will see if the seeds that hit the ground germinate next spring, that is, survive winter.

    My hybrid impatiens have a seed pod as well. I will have to keep an eye on that one if it's ripe enough to split.

    Thanks for your help,

    Glen

  • 21 years ago

    They self sow, you should have them coming up all over..
    I had them coming up in the cracks of the side walk..
    then transplanted the where I want't them.. They grow great in gravel too..


    Sorry not a very good pic..But what you see are 2 plants with one non blooming sunflower.. They have be at least 6 ft. high

  • 21 years ago

    I have this plant and wow the family was over yesterday and they were impressed at the exploding seed pods, impressive. My plants flower, but are much more leafy than showy with flower; they must be at least 5 feet tall. People are constantly asking what is that plant.
    I didn't think that impatients were to get that tall and leafy?

    gardenlady

0
Sponsored