Balsam
Impatiens balsamina
Native to the Indian subcontinent, this is the traditional impatiens popular in old-fashioned gardens throughout Europe and North America. Also known as Touch-Me-Not, Balsam blooms in shades of pink, white, red, and salmon throughout the summer and fall until the first frost
Jefferson first recorded the planting of "Double balsam" at Shadwell in April 1767 and ordered seeds from Bernard McMahon in 1812. This was among the "more valuable and curious sorts of tender annuals" to McMahon, who gave detailed instructions for the raising of young plants in hot beds, which were cold frames heated by decomposing manure. Balsams, especially, the newly developed double varieties with striped flowers, were more esteemed in Jefferson's time than they are today.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
