Growing Impatiens from seed

Impatiens Seed Germination;
The temperature at which Impatiens will germinate is debatable. Good results will be achieved over a wide range, the optimum being 22-27°C with some light but this is really not essential. The seed should be covered with a thin layer of seed compost/vermiculite.
The compost used for germination should have no fertiliser, the germination of all seed tends to be inhibited by the presence of fertiliser, and impatiens are fussy.
If the seed germinates and the radicle does not penetrate the compost and lies on the surface it can be one of two reasons, the compost is too wet or it contains too much fertiliser, or both. The answer is to use a low nutrient seed compost and feed with a weak liquid fertiliser after germination.

Growing on;
The seedlings and plugs should be grown on at 18-20°C until they are transplanted. The compost used for transplanting should not be to high in nutrients. Problems encountered at this stage in growth are likely to be caused by too much nutrient in the fertiliser or temperature is too cold.
The young plants can be fed as soon as the roots start growing into the compost, if the leaves tend to roll up this is normally due to overfeeding.
Once the roots have got going the plants will become more tolerant of cooler conditions. Do not overwater the young plants, they can withstand a little dryness if watered sparingly from the start.

Growth Regulating;
Impatiens do not respond well to chemical growth control.

Flowers;
Small plants may cover themselves with flower buds and this is done at the expense of vegetavie growth. The common cause of this is the plant has become stressed, either left in the plug too long or are too dry. A general rule is by restricting the roots and limiting the water, plants can be encouraged to flower. If growing in large containers with higher temperatures and unrestricted watering the plants will give browth rather than flowers.

Pests and disease;
Impatiens are not really susceptible to pests and disease, but aphids can become a nuisance.

The Technical and cultural details are written for gardeners and growers, they are not cut and dried and are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a blue print for growing. A guide for you to use and adjust the data to suit your growing conditions. All information is based on UK conditions and should be used for guidance only. No guarantee is given for the resultant crop, or liability accepted for using the information used on this website in any article web page or cd rom.