When Himalayan Balsam is in full bloom, its flowers look surprisingly like delicate orchids. But don’t let those pretty pink petals fool you! This exotic plant is actually a major troublemaker that loves to crowd out our native species. If you spot this “pretty” weed popping up in your yard, you’ll want to act fast and be consistent to keep it from taking over.
From Ornamental Beauty to Garden Pest
Originally hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Himalayan Balsam (also known as Policeman’s Helmet) was first brought over as an ornamental garden plant because of those striking pink blossoms. It didn’t take long for it to escape the garden beds and head into the wild. The problem? It produces an unbelievable amount of seeds between July and October. Because it grows so aggressively and chokes out local plants, it’s now firmly on the “naughty list,” and most gardeners focus on getting rid of it as soon as it appears.
The “Exploding” Seed Problem
Here’s the crazy part: a single plant can produce over 2,000 seeds! Even worse, the seed pods are spring-loaded. When they’re ripe, they “explode” at the slightest touch, launching seeds up to 23 feet away. Those seeds can stay viable in the soil for a long time, too. That’s why it is absolutely critical to deal with Himalayan Balsam *before* it starts flowering. Once those seed pods develop, stopping the spread becomes a real uphill battle.
How to Get Rid of It the Right Way
If Himalayan Balsam has moved into your garden, the best way to handle it is the old-fashioned way: pulling it by hand. For older, larger plants, you need to make sure you get the roots out of the ground. Luckily, this plant has a very shallow root system, so it’s pretty easy to yank out—especially if the soil is a bit damp. Just give it a firm tug at the base. Here are a few pro-tips to keep in mind:
- Timing is everything: Pull them before they bloom!
- Get a good grip: Grab the stem as close to the ground as possible.
- Dispose of it properly: Do NOT put these plants in your compost pile. They can survive and sprout again. Instead, bag them up and put them in your regular household trash.
