Balsam; Touch-Me-Not Seeds (Impatiens balsamina)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
This is the traditional impatiens popular in old-fashioned gardens. Thomas Jefferson planted double-flowering Balsam seeds at Shadwell in 1767, and also received seeds from Philadelphia nurseryman, Bernard McMahon, in 1812. Bushy plants bloom in shades of pink, white, red, and salmon throughout the summer and fall until the first frost. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors after last frost. Alternatively, direct sow seeds after the last frost. Approximately 20-30 seeds per packet.