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Growing Balsam Flower:Balsam prefers partial to full sun. In hot areas, it is important to shade the plant from afternoon sun. Balsam also prefers rich but well-drained soil. The plants should be spaced around 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth. If the plants will be trained to be bushy, a spacing of about 2 feet is recommended. During dry periods, they should be watered 1-2 times per week. However, take note that the roots should not be allowed to remain wet. For best results, general purpose fertilizer can be used regularly.Once these plants are established, they will grow well even without much care and blooming will happen continuously until fall. Keep in mind that some varieties particularly annuals are susceptible to frost. Insect or disease problems are uncommon with Balsam plants. In case of these problems, treat early with organic insect repellents or fungicide accordingly.Propagation:Balsam is propagated by seed. The seeds can either be started indoors or directly seeded outdoors. When sowing indoors, it is recommended to start about 6 weeks before the last frost in the area using trays or flats for transplanting later. Remember to sow seeds early in the season and only cover the seeds with about 1/8 inches of soil. Also, water the seeds thoroughly. These should sprout in around 4-5 days. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be exposed to light about 10-15 hours daily. This will ensure that the plants will grow strong. Balsam plants should begin to produce flowers from early to middle summer lasting until frost.