Exploding Busy Lizzies

[Deleted]

Has anyone experienced this? Was just clearing off some of the spent withered leaves and felt a pop and had seeds on my hand. Then it happened again and it was a bit of a shock both times. Anyone else experienced this?

[Rosefriend]

Yes today actually - I was collecting seeds from my Busy Lizzies and a couple were ready to pop and did before I could put them in the bag.

Last year I had white BL's and this year decided to do the Deep red ones - well thanks to last years seeds popping, I now have red and white.

RF

[Deleted]

Thanks RF. Bit of a shocker! I seen some of the spent pods but didn't connect the two until just now...

[Rosefriend]

The first time it happened to me I dropped the lot thinking it was something with legs.

RF

[Deleted]

Isn't nature wonderful, they germinate so well if you can catch them, I pop them into a paper bag when they are fat. The only trouble most come that ordinary pink. Have you tried the dreaded Indian Balsam seed head explosion.

[thecleaninglady]

Yes, I remember Indian Balsam when I was a child. Thought it was fascinating to see.

[isabella]

I think the exploded pods look like caterpillars ;D

[Deleted]

isabella said:

I think the exploded pods look like caterpillars ;D

I've seen a few of them for a couple of weeks now and thought they were moth pupae. Absolutely amazing really the way they pop on touching them.

Is this what you mean...?

[Weeterrier]

When Himalayan Balsam pops, the seeds go at such force that it can "sting". One of it's other common names is "Touch-me-not" Balsam.
Great fun.

[Rosefriend]

Years ago I somehow managed to get a Himalayan Balsam in the garden and didn't know what it was - I had great fun popping the seeds................oooooh dear...........it took me 3 years to get them out of the garden.

Never again.

RF

[Deleted]

My kids love popping busy lizzie seed heads. We always go round with an envelope and pop them all so that we can collect the seeds for next year.

I also had those orange californian poppies in my garden when I first moved here. Their seeds pods spring open with such force that the seed goes absolutely everywhere. I'm still trying to get them out of my lawn !

FA x

[piggingardener]

Last year being so hot, my busy lizzies produced lots so I collected loads of seeds, once I'd realised that they were the seed pods. I grew them in 2 batches, some in February (indoors) and some in late March in the greenhouse. They have been spectacular this year and have grown into huge plants. I have collected a few this year but there aren't so many as it has been so much cooler.

[Deleted]

I used to love pulling the 'hats' off the Californian Poppies before the flowers opened.

[nightowl]

weeterrier said:

When Himalayan Balsam pops, the seeds go at such force that it can "sting". One of it's other common names is "Touch-me-not" Balsam.
Great fun.

I love popping the Himalayan Balsam whenever I see it, too. As you said WT, great fun. ;D ;D

But did you know they are now classed with things like Japanese Knotweed, as unwanted aliens??? To my mind there is no comparison with the dreaded Knotweed!!

[Weeterrier]

Yes, I did know that! But it's a shame because they are so pretty. They are in the field which adjoins my house (not my field, sadly). Will I still like them if I see them growing in the border?

[Biggles]

weeterrier said:

Yes, I did know that! But it's a shame because they are so pretty. They are in the field which adjoins my house (not my field, sadly). Will I still like them if I see them growing in the border?

WT---No I dont think you really want Japenese Knotweed growing in your garden, Japenese Knotweed is so invasive on the river banks round here the council are having a of a time trying to keep on top of it.

[Deleted]

Indian Balsam are easy to spot as seedling though & easy to pull up to as they are so strong. I dont mind the odd one in the garden as the bees love them but I should think they swamp out native flowers on river banks.