Balsam commonly called Lady’s Slipper comes from the Balsaminaceae family and is related to Impatiens. Originally from the tropical South East Asia, China, Hawaii and the Philippines, Balsam made its way to Europe, North America and the Caribbean with early travellers. Lady’s Slipper is a Victorian Garden favourite which is a colourful, carefree annual with semi-double or fully double, frilly flowers that does well in the tropics and the Caribbean. These plants have thick, soft stems and medium spiky-edged with light green leaves.
Set Lady’s Slipper Seeds in Pro Mix using the same method as Marigold. Remember to keep seed beds moist. After seedlings reach the height of 2 – 3 inches transplant same into pots or beds. Plants grows approximately 20 inches in height and may need to be staked.
These flowers are ideal for bedding plants, borders, patio and window boxes. They come in white, pink, red, violet and Rosa. There are also new hybrid varieties available. One of the most interesting and least known facts is that they are edible.
A favourite pastime when I was a child was to pick a seed pod quickly before it exploded around you. Many plant growers of yesteryear would remember this.
Try planting some Lady’s Slippers today and add some colour to your garden; new seeds are available on the local market.
Until next week, happy gardening.
