What To Know
- While it’s common to purchase impatiens as starter plants, growing them from seed offers a rewarding experience and allows you to experiment with a wider range of colors and varieties.
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to plant impatiens seeds outdoors, ensuring success for a stunning display of blooms in your garden.
- Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
Impatiens are beloved for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive in shady spots. While it’s common to purchase impatiens as starter plants, growing them from seed offers a rewarding experience and allows you to experiment with a wider range of colors and varieties. This guide will walk you through the process of how to plant impatiens seeds outdoors, ensuring success for a stunning display of blooms in your garden.
Understanding Impatiens: A Quick Overview
Impatiens are annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in a single growing season. They are known for their delicate, papery flowers that come in a dazzling array of colors, including red, pink, purple, orange, white, and even bi-colors. Impatiens are relatively easy to grow and prefer partial shade to full shade, making them ideal for areas under trees or along the north side of buildings.
When to Plant Impatiens Seeds Outdoors
The best time to plant impatiens seeds outdoors depends on your climate. Impatiens prefer warm temperatures and will struggle to germinate in cold soil. Aim for a time when the soil temperature has consistently reached at least 60°F (15°C). This usually occurs in late spring or early summer, after the last frost has passed.
Choosing the Right Location and Soil
Impatiens thrive in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives at least four hours of indirect sunlight per day. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves and reduce their flowering potential.
Preparing the Seedbed
1. Clear the Area: Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area.
2. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. This will improve drainage and encourage root growth.
3. Incorporate Compost: Mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve its water retention.
4. Level the Bed: Rake the soil to create a smooth and even surface for planting.
Sowing the Impatiens Seeds
1. Spacing: Plant impatiens seeds about 6-8 inches apart. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 12-18 inches apart.
2. Depth: Impatiens seeds are very small, so they should only be planted about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Covering: After sowing the seeds, gently cover them with a thin layer of soil. You can also use a fine-mesh seed starter mat to help retain moisture.
4. Watering: Water the seedbed thoroughly, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be consistently moist, but not soggy.
Caring for Your Impatiens Seedlings
1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development.
2. Thinning: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to the desired spacing. This will give the remaining plants more room to grow.
3. Fertilizing: Once the seedlings are established, fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help them produce more flowers.
4. Deadheading: Pinch off spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Troubleshooting Common Impatiens Problems
- Damping Off: This fungal disease can affect seedlings, causing them to wilt and die. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent damping off.
- Leaf Spotting: Leaf spotting can be caused by several fungal or bacterial diseases. Remove any infected leaves and improve air circulation to prevent further spread.
- Pests: Impatiens can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Enjoying Your Impatiens Blooms
Impatiens typically begin to bloom within 8-10 weeks after planting. Once they start blooming, they will continue to produce flowers throughout the summer and fall. Enjoy their vibrant colors and delicate beauty in your garden!
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Start Seeds Indoors: For an earlier start, you can start impatiens seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. This will give them a head start on the growing season.
- Choose the Right Variety: There are many different varieties of impatiens, each with its own unique characteristics. Consider the size, color, and bloom time when choosing a variety.
- Protect from Frost: Impatiens are sensitive to frost, so be sure to protect them if there is a chance of cold weather.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Final Thoughts: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden
Growing impatiens from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a dazzling array of colors in your garden. By following these simple steps, you can ensure success and create a beautiful and vibrant display of blooms that will last throughout the growing season.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I plant impatiens seeds directly in the ground?
A: Yes, you can plant impatiens seeds directly in the ground, but it’s best to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C).
Q: How long does it take for impatiens seeds to germinate?
A: Impatiens seeds typically germinate within 10-14 days.
Q: What is the best way to water impatiens?
A: Water impatiens deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root development. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What should I do if my impatiens seedlings are leggy?
A: If your impatiens seedlings are leggy, pinch off the top inch or two of growth to encourage bushier growth.
Q: Can I grow impatiens in pots?
A: Yes, impatiens can be grown successfully in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
