What is the best way to water my Touch-me-not balsam?
To water Touch-me-not balsam, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Touch-me-not balsam is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Touch-me-not balsam as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Touch-me-not balsam that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Touch-me-not balsam, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.
What should I do if I water my Touch-me-not balsam too much or too little?
The remedy for underwatering Touch-me-not balsam is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Touch-me-not balsam is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Touch-me-not balsam that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Touch-me-not balsam, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.
How often should I water my Touch-me-not balsam?
Touch-me-not balsam needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Touch-me-not balsam. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Touch-me-not balsam grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Touch-me-not balsam that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Touch-me-not balsam a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.
How much water does my Touch-me-not balsam need?
There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Touch-me-not balsam. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Touch-me-not balsam. Typically, you should give your Touch-me-not balsam about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Touch-me-not balsam in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.
How can I tell if i'm watering my Touch-me-not balsam enough?
It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Touch-me-not balsam. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Touch-me-not balsam are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Touch-me-not balsam may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Touch-me-not balsam as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.
How should I water my Touch-me-not balsam through the seasons?
You can expect your Touch-me-not balsam’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Touch-me-not balsam, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Touch-me-not balsam that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Touch-me-not balsam is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.
How should I water my Touch-me-not balsam at different growth stages?
Touch-me-not balsam will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Touch-me-not balsam as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Touch-me-not balsam will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Touch-me-not balsam will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.
What's the difference between watering Touch-me-not balsam indoors and outdoors?
There are several reasons why most Touch-me-not balsam grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Touch-me-not balsam needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Touch-me-not balsam water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.
Is pruning necessary for my Touch-me-not balsam?
Touch-me-not balsam is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Touch-me-not balsam to stay away from pathogens infection.
How do I prune my Touch-me-not balsam?
During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Touch-me-not balsam above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.
Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Touch-me-not balsam?
Touch-me-not balsam leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.
Are there any tips for pruning my Touch-me-not balsam?
Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds; Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water. Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs
When should/shouldn't I prune my Touch-me-not balsam?
Expect to prune your Touch-me-not balsam every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.
What should I look for when pruning my Touch-me-not balsam in different seasons?
Because Touch-me-not balsam is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.
How many hours of sunlight does Touch-me-not balsam need to grow?
The Touch-me-not balsam is a type of herbaceous plant that thrives in full shade environments. In general, they can also grow well under partial light conditions. In shaded areas, they can grow well, and their flowers can develop fully without getting scorched by the sun. When planting the Touch-me-not balsam, it's best to choose an area with partial to full shade. Avoid planting them in areas where they receive too much direct sunlight for extended periods. If planting in a container, make sure to place it in a shaded area where it can receive indirect sunlight or filtered light. The Touch-me-not balsam can also grow well indoors when placed in a shaded area with natural light or grow lights.
What will happen if Touch-me-not balsam doesn’t get enough sunlight?
Touch-me-not balsam thrives in full shade and does not require direct sunlight. A lack of sunlight will not cause the stems to become leggy, and the flowers will not wilt or die. However, not providing enough shade will make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases. However, near-dark lighting conditions also mean that the leaves may turn yellow or discolored, and the growth will be stunted.
What will happen if Touch-me-not balsam gets too much sunlight?
Touch-me-not balsam should not be exposed to too much direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and dry out, leading to wilting and the eventual death of the plant. If Touch-me-not balsam is exposed to excessive sunlight, it's best to relocate the plant to an area with less sunlight.
Cautions and tips
When planting the Touch-me-not balsam, it's essential to choose an area with partial to full shade. Avoid planting them in areas where they receive too much direct sunlight. If you're growing the Touch-me-not balsam in containers, make sure to place them in a shaded area where they can receive indirect sunlight or filtered light. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter to retain moisture, which is essential for the plant's growth and development. Water the Touch-me-not balsam regularly to maintain soil moisture levels and prevent their leaves from drying out. Use a watering can or a hose to water the plant thoroughly, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. In summary, the Touch-me-not balsam is a type of herbaceous flower that thrives in full shade environments. They require shade to prevent their leaves from drying out, and their flowers from wilting. When planting the Touch-me-not balsam, it's essential to choose an area with partial to full shade, and to provide them with sufficient water and ventilation to maintain their health.
What is the optimal temperature for Touch-me-not balsam?
The best temperature for Touch-me-not balsam depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Touch-me-not balsam has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Touch-me-not balsam may be able to survive with some help. During the warmer parts of the year, Touch-me-not balsam will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Touch-me-not balsam. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Touch-me-not balsam to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!
Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Touch-me-not balsam
If this is the first year of your Touch-me-not balsam outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Touch-me-not balsam, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Touch-me-not balsam inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage. It’s also a good idea to plant Touch-me-not balsam in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Touch-me-not balsam should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.
How can I protect Touch-me-not balsam from extreme temperatures?
If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Touch-me-not balsam from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Touch-me-not balsam in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Touch-me-not balsam is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind. For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Touch-me-not balsam to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.
Dormant season temperature recommendations for Touch-me-not balsam
During the cold winter months, Touch-me-not balsam needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Touch-me-not balsam, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine. An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Touch-me-not balsam. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Touch-me-not balsam will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.
Why do I need to fertilize my Touch-me-not balsam?
Plants need nutrients to survive; most gardeners, regardless of experience, are well aware of this factor. However, without food, Touch-me-not balsam will die out soon after the first pollination. Therefore, providing the right type of nutrients in the right amounts is the best way to keep Touch-me-not balsam going throughout the blooming season and producing large, beautiful flowers. Fertilizer also helps Touch-me-not balsam build a large, healthy root system. This plant needs all the help it can get since its root system is very thin and easily damaged. Fertilizing at planting helps Touch-me-not balsam build a solid root structure that not only provides stability to the plant, but also sets the stage for a sensational flowering performance. When timed correctly, fertilization can greatly extend Touch-me-not balsam's flowering period.
When is the best time to fertilize my Touch-me-not balsam?
Touch-me-not balsam puts on tremendous growth early in the growing season, once the danger of the last frost has passed. It’s during this time that Touch-me-not balsam should be fertilized; more specifically, during planting. The idea is to apply when the plant is first planted in the ground or in planters; however you choose to plant it. This will be the only dose of fertilizer until later in the year, when blooms are in full force. Once the season is in full swing and Touch-me-not balsam has opened most of its blooms at full size, it’s time to start fertilizing again. Around the time when blooms are at peak output, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, after Touch-me-not balsam starts to put out fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to fertilize when the plant can’t produce any more blooms.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Touch-me-not balsam?
While regular fertilizing is important for Touch-me-not balsam, it absolutely can be applied at the wrong time. Some situations call for holding back the fertilizer once in a while. These are usually climate related, but they also include a variety of controllable factors. Essentially, when something is wrong with the plant, the soil, or the climate, wait it out until things have been smoothed over and the plant has recovered. An example of when not to fertilize is if there are severe or unexpected changes in the weather. If a cold nap suddenly comes in the middle of summer, wait until it’s warm again to start fertilizing. The same stands for if the soil becomes too dry or too packed to absorb anything. At this point, fertilizer will be going straight to the roots, rather than being diffused by soil before it reaches them. As you can imagine, the roots of Touch-me-not balsam aren’t very fond of that. When temperatures soar during the hottest parts of the day into the 90-degree fahrenheit range, don’t apply fertilizer. Since fertilizer can be broken down at various speeds depending on temperature, it’s especially important not to allow hot temperatures to break it down too quickly. Pests or diseases should also be treated and cleared up before re-fertilizing.
What type of fertilizer does my Touch-me-not balsam need?
Most types of Touch-me-not balsam need the same general balance of nutrients from fertilizer. These should come in the form of a fertilizer that’s formulated specifically for high-yield blooming plants. A fertilizer with a higher level of phosphorus is the best option. This type of fertilizer has a higher P number in its NPK number, for example 10-30-10. Several fertilizer brands sell a fertilizer that’s perfect for blooming plants like Touch-me-not balsam, which are an easy and fuss-free way to provide the right nutrients. If you do choose to use a pre-mixed fertilizer, follow the directions on the package to prevent Touch-me-not balsam from getting too much or too little fertilizer, both of which can cause the plant to grow poorly or even wilt entirely.
How do I fertilize my Touch-me-not balsam?
Depending on the type of fertilizer you have, specific fertilizing instructions may vary. However, there are a few general tips for applying most types of fertilizer to Touch-me-not balsam. The first fertilizer application, which should be when you first plant Touch-me-not balsam, will likely consist of mixing the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting and watering in the Touch-me-not balsam. Subsequent fertilizing may look a little different. For pellet fertilizers, simply mix the pellets into the top inch of soil around the outer edge of the plant, where the roots are. Water them in very well at first, then water regularly after that. Other fertilizers may be mixed into a watering can and applied just like a regular watering. Follow any instructions on fertilizer packaging for consistency, but if you’d rather keep things on a regular schedule, shoot for every three to four weeks.
What happens if I fertilize my Touch-me-not balsam too much?
Over-fertilizing is a very easy mistake to make for first-time gardeners, or even for experienced gardeners trying out a new product. Fortunately, Touch-me-not balsam makes this issue known very well by displaying several signs of distress. You may notice that its leaves are yellowing quickly, the foliage may wilt, or new blooms may be under-developed. These are all clear signs of too much food. When you fertilize Touch-me-not balsam too frequently, you create uninhabitable soil conditions. Soil may become too hot, which is a term used to describe when soil is too saturated with minerals, nutrients, or compost, and ends up burning the roots of anything planted in it. It’s a good idea to flush out the soil well once a month or so, just by watering twice as much as normal with good drainage.