How to Grow Jewelweed
Wikimedia Commons
Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
flowerJewelweed is a tender annual wildflower native to eastern North America, known for its vibrant orange flowers and succulent stems that glisten with water droplets. The plant thrives in moist, shaded environments and has been traditionally used to treat poison ivy and skin irritations. Its delicate blooms attract hummingbirds and bees throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Jewelweed in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Jewelweed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Jewelweed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Jewelweed blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jewelweed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; excellent in cool, moist woodland gardens
Sign up free to see if Jewelweed grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Jewelweed timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge from soil; very delicate with minimal leaf development
Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F); provide bright indirect light; avoid disturbance
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops succulent green stems and lance-shaped leaves; grows rapidly with multiple branches forming
Maintain consistent moisture; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness; keep in partial shade
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form at leaf axils; plant reaches mature height of 2-4 feet
Continue regular watering; ensure adequate shade to prevent stress; maintain humid conditions
Flowering
6-8 weeksVibrant orange, yellow, or red flowers bloom continuously along stems; some varieties have spotted petals
Keep soil evenly moist; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; watch for hummingbird visits
Fruiting & Senescence
Until first frost (2-4 weeks)After flowering, seedpods develop and mature; plant becomes leggy as season progresses and frost approaches
Allow some flowers to mature into seed capsules if you want self-seeding; allow plant to die back naturally with first frost
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water; use insecticidal soap if severe
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning; create barriers with copper tape; provide beer traps
Uses
Skin irritation relief
MedicinalJewelweed has been traditionally used by Native Americans and folk herbalists to treat poison ivy rash, eczema, and other skin irritations. The plant contains compounds believed to neutralize urushiol oil from poison ivy. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryThe delicate orange flowers are edible with a slightly spicy, watercress-like flavor and make beautiful garnishes for salads and desserts. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator magnet
WildlifeJewelweed's vibrant flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and natural areas. [source]
Natural dye source
HouseholdThe flowers and stems can be used to create natural dyes ranging from yellow to orange to rust tones, depending on mordants used. [source]
Ephemeral botanical art
CraftThe jewel-like appearance of jewelweed covered in water droplets has inspired photographers and naturalists; the plant is popular for press flowers and nature journaling. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers can be picked for fresh arrangements throughout the blooming season; cut stems in early morning when fully hydrated. For medicinal use, harvest aerial parts during peak flowering. Allow seed capsules to mature and dry on plant, then collect before they explode (ripe pods pop open when touched, dispersing seeds).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'jewelweed' refers to the plant's remarkable water-repellent leaves that create shimmering droplets of water that look like jewels when wet.
- 🌱 Ripe seed capsules are violently explosive—when touched, they instantly burst open and fling seeds up to 5 feet away, which is why it's also called 'touch-me-not'.
- 🌱 Jewelweed has been used in folk medicine for centuries and was a popular remedy among pioneers; modern research has found the plant contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Jewelweed planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Jewelweed seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Jewelweed timeline →