Germination of
Impatiens balsamina
Peppermint Stick Balsam: Candy Cane Sorrel, Peppermint Stick Plant, Candy Cane Oxalis, Shamrock Oxalis, Wood Sorrel
Impatiens balsamina: Impatiens balsamina seeds are best sown in spring after the last frost. To sow the seeds, prepare a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil or sand. Water the soil well and cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to maintain humidity. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the seeds to rot. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, and it is important to remove the plastic cover once the seeds have germinated to prevent the seedlings from damping off.
Some of plants may have very have specific germination requirements that may not be covered in these general instructions.
Many seeds require pre-treatment before sowing which we try to list here when we can, but this information may not be present here. Germination times and germination temperatures are to be a guide only. Many factors can DRASTICALLY affect this.
It's always a good idea to research the specific germination requirements from multiple sources for each plant before attempting to grow them from seed.