Spotted Touch-me-not

Getting Ready to Grow Spotted Touch-me-not

Hello there, future gardener! Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) is a beautiful wildflower that's easy to grow and perfect for beginners. It loves moist environments, so if you have a damp corner of your yard or garden, this plant will thrive.

What You'll Need:

Seeds (you can collect them from existing plants in late summer or buy them)

A pot or patch of soil (this plant likes loose soil with good drainage)

Watering can

• A spot with partial shade or filtered sunlight (it doesn't like full sun all day)

When to Start: The best time to plant Spotted Touch-me-not seeds is in early spring when the ground begins to warm up. If you're starting indoors, begin about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

Choosing the Right Spot: This plant loves moisture, so look for areas near water features, under trees, or in naturally damp spots. If planting in pots, ensure they have drainage holes and place them where they’ll get some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Planting Your Spotted Touch-me-not

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil – don’t bury them too deep; just lightly press them into the surface.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist.
4. Place in a shady or partially sunny spot.
5. Seeds should sprout within 1-2 weeks.

Transplanting Seedlings:

1. Once the seedlings have grown a few leaves and the weather is consistently warm, it’s time to move them outside.
2. Dig small holes in your chosen spot, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
3. Gently remove the seedlings from their pots and place them in the holes.
4. Cover the roots with soil and pat down gently.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.

Tip: If you’re planting directly outdoors, follow the same steps but sow the seeds directly into the soil where you want them to grow.

Taking Care of Your Spotted Touch-me-not

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist. This plant loves water, so don’t let it dry out.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells. If planted near a water feature, it may need less frequent watering.

Sunlight:

• Ensure your plant gets partial shade. Full sun can scorch the leaves, while full shade might make it leggy.
• Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.

Feeding:

• Spotted Touch-me-not doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you feel the need to feed it, use a light, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Pruning:

• Trim back any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.
• If the plant starts to spread too much, you can cut it back to maintain a tidy appearance.

Pest Control:

• Generally, Spotted Touch-me-not is pest-resistant. However, watch for aphids or spider mites. A strong spray of water usually takes care of these pests.

Collecting Seeds from Spotted Touch-me-not

When to Harvest:

• Spotted Touch-me-not produces seed pods that literally "pop" open when touched, scattering seeds everywhere. Watch for mature pods that are plump and green.
• The best time to harvest is late summer or early fall before the pods burst.

How to Harvest:

• Gently touch the ripe pods and collect the seeds as they pop out.
• Store seeds in a cool, dry place in an envelope or paper bag until you're ready to plant again.

Using the Plant:

• While not typically harvested for food, Spotted Touch-me-not has medicinal properties and can be used in herbal remedies. Always consult a professional before using any plant medicinally.

Q: Why are my Spotted Touch-me-not leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged and adjust your watering schedule.

Q: Can Spotted Touch-me-not grow in full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade. Full sun can cause the leaves to burn, especially in hot climates.

Q: How do I control the spread of Spotted Touch-me-not?

A: This plant can self-seed prolifically. To control its spread, remove seed pods before they burst or plant it in a contained area.

Q: Is Spotted Touch-me-not invasive?

A: It can be aggressive in optimal conditions but is generally manageable with regular maintenance.

Q: Does Spotted Touch-me-not attract wildlife?

A: Yes! It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a great addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.