Himalayan Balsam

Hi, Having read your write up in the Chorley Citizen newspaper. I”m a volenteer at Yarrow valley country park in chorley, this year we have bashed a lot of balsam, over the two years I have been a volenteer, I have learnt that with Himalayan Balsam:-

Cutting below the first node of the plant be it at 18 inches high or 6 feet high, pending on time of growing season, will distroy that plant, easily done with an inch diameter stick, we use Sycamore branches as well as strimmers. But whilst you are cutting, you may disturb seeds to germination levels.
Also hoeing the seedlings at 2 inches high, one half inch below ground level can result in 90% clearance. Proven in a test area early this spring.
The seeds are viable for two years & need stratification ( frost) to aid germination.
Cutting it down now ( if seed pods are not fully develope) will keep the plant to the area it is in now, the one”s I cut down today didn”t spread seeds at all, I first cut the flowers of & then cut below the bottom node, in the theory that the flower once cut from the stem, wont have the resourses to set seed.
We have also found that if you pull Balsam & place to pile, if conditions are wet, you”d be surprised at how many develope flowers when there roots are out the ground, just with being damp.
Single one found at this time of year are pulled, cut below lowest node & the flower head is also cut of.
Hope this is of some help, Best of luck.
Apreciate a reply please, so I know you”ve recieved my email.

Cheers Eddie