Blackberry Trifle Balsam

[Phelpsfamily]

I grew these for the first time this year and they are gorgeous! I am uncertain if they will come back. Can someone tell me if they are perennials? If not is there a way to save seed? Know of any uses for these? Can the flowers be eaten? Thank you.

[Tutter]

Balsam reseeds, I always get lots of them popping up the next year.

[Phelpsfamily]

Tutter Is there anyway to capture the seed so I can share it? Thank you for your help!

[Tutter]

Sure...after the flowers are done (mine are just now winding down) you'll see the seed pods forming along the stem. When they are ready, just touching them will make them spring open and seed will fly out. Take a coffee can or something to collect the seed, hold it next to the plant, and catch the seed. It's kind of fun.

[skippydel13KYzone6]

I just told my 86 year old aunt that when I see balsam I think of her as I use to get in trouble (by mom) for popping the seed pods, I'm 50 and they are still growing in the same place to this day so yes, they will resow themselves and come up next year (maybe places you don't want them). Not sure about this specific one, I always wonder if things are a hybrid and will come back true but even if they don't, who cares, flowers are beautiful no matter, right?