Growing balsam

Question

This is first time growing balsam. Might be new favorite. However, they are looking nasty with wilted lower flowers. Should I pull them at this point in the year? Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes, you can pull the spent blooms off, unless you want to keep a few for seed. That being said, these plants are prolific reseeders and will pop up everywhere unless you remove the blooms or seedpods prior to them bursting open (which by the way, they do and send seeds flying out in all directions). I have them growing in my garden, and while I too love them, they can become a nuisance when they start growing in unwanted areas (I've had to pull up many).