Touch-me-not Balsam (Impatiens noli-tangere)

Touch-me-not Balsam

Impatiens noli-tangere

Delicate spurred flowers bloom like tiny lanterns, a cheerful woodland gem. Annual herbaceous wildflower; common name: Touch-me-not Balsam.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Dappled woodland shade or filtered partial sun; avoid harsh midday direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the top 1 cm of soil to dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives in cool temperate conditions; avoid extreme heat above 28°C which can cause wilting
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Simple ovate-lanceolate leaves with serrated margins, bright green, arranged alternately on stems
  • Flower: Pale yellow bilateral flowers with a curved spur, clustered in leaf axils; seed pods burst when touched to disperse seeds
  • Stem: Succulent hollow green stems with translucent, watery sap
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain steady soil moisture; water when top 1 cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy, weak growth

Composted banana peel tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn and odor
Pruning
  • Pinch back stem tips early in the growing season to encourage bushier growth
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period
  • Remove yellowing or diseased foliage to improve air circulation
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Pollinator-friendly wildflower for woodland gardens; container ornamental for shaded patios