Garden and Flowers

GIANT BALSAM

The giant balsam - also known as touch-me-not - is a plant to enjoy over a long period. Its seeds germinate in the garden on a massive scale every spring. Some people consequently regard this plant - which grows up to 6 ft tall - as a weed. I always leave a few plants so that I can enjoy the sound of bumblebees around the large flowers from July onwards. They crawl right inside the flowers as they buzz, taking care of pollination, and thus ensure the excitement that follows. The small fruits of balsams gradually come under pressure and then burst open suddenly to eject the seeds. The giant balsam’s fruits are largest and therefore the most entertaining. Try holding one when it is nearly ripe - it will burst open in your hand. After that, you will find it hard to resist touching more of the fruit, whether they are ripe and explode immediately or not yet ready to do so. The large seeds germinate easily. Sow them in any soil that is not excessively poor in April-May.