Impatiens are known for their ability to grow quickly and provide a splash of color in your flower beds throughout the season. However, they can often be difficult to grow if you do not have the proper knowledge on how to plant them, care for them, and make sure that they thrive. This article is geared towards helping people who want to learn how to grow these plants on their own and provide instructions on what you will need in order for them to thrive.
About Impatiens
Impatiens is a genus of about 140 species of plants in the family Asparagaceae. The majority of these are native to the Old World tropics and subtropics, with a few species reaching temperate regions. Impatiens are perennials that grow from a tuber or corm. They are typically tall, spindly plants with small leaves and colorful, bell-shaped flowers. Many cultivars have been developed for indoor use.
Propagation
One of the most common questions gardeners receive is how to propagate plants. Propagating plants by seed can be a fun and easy way to expand your garden, but there are other methods as well. Here we will look at some of the most common methods for propagating plants.n
One popular method for propagating plants is by division. This means taking a cutting from a rooted and healthy specimen and transferring it to new soil or compost. You can also divide plants that have rotted or died back, but make sure the root system has been severed completely. You can also share root cuttings taken from healthy specimens with another gardener; this will initiate a new plant from the cutting.
You can also propagate plants by stem cuttings taken from healthy specimens about 8-12” long, before the leaves have developed. Make a horizontal cut several inches below a leaf node n then use your fingers to peel back the flesh around the node until you removed an entire layer of skin and vascular tissue. Remove any excess wood and dry the cut off completely before planting in fresh soil.
Germination
To germinate impatiens, begin by soaking the seeds overnight in warm water. The next day, transfer the soaked seeds to a fresh container and sprout at 78 degrees Fahrenheit for three days. Once the sprouts have grown three times their original length, drain the water and discard it. Place the impatiens in a sunny location and water sparingly.
Planting
When planting impatiens, it is important to select the right variety for your climate and soil. Impatiens can tolerate temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but they perform best in temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the most important things to remember when planting impatiens is to keep the soil well-drained. Watering should be done only when the soil starts to get dry, not before. Over-watering can cause root rot and other problems.
The best time to plant impatiens is in early spring after the last frost has gone. Be sure to space plants about 2 feet apart in rows 3 feet apart. When the plants are growing, you may need to thin them out by removing any that are growing too close together.
Keep an eye on your plants during the first few weeks after planting; if there are any signs of plant disease, water them regularly and apply a fungicide or pesticide as needed. You should also fertilize impatiens monthly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Pests
If you are growing impatiens in your garden, be sure to protect them from the following pests: whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Here are some tips on how to grow impatiens without problems:
1. Keep your garden weed free – a weed-free garden will help keep pests away.
2. Mulch your plants – a layer of mulch will help to keep moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
3. Use organic pesticides – organic pesticides are less harmful to the environment and can be used safely around plants.