How to grow potted impatiens well? A detailed guide to the latest care methods
Impatiens is a common ornamental flower, also known as henna, touch-me-not, and daughter flower, etc. It is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Impatiens in the family Balsaminaceae. Because its flower colors and varieties are extremely rich, it is often used as material for beautifying flowerbeds and flower borders. It can be planted in clumps, in groups, and in pots, and can also be used as a cut flower in water. Let us take a look below at how to grow potted impatiens well!
Propagation methods for impatiens
Impatiens is commonly propagated by seeds, usually sown from March to September, with sowing in April being the most suitable, so that it can bloom in early to mid-June, and the flowering period can last more than two months. Evenly scatter the seeds into the furrow, cover with soil, press lightly, and then water. After sowing, keep the soil moist. At a temperature of about 25°C, seedlings begin to emerge in about 5 days, with a seeding rate of 500 grams per mu. When the seedlings grow 2 to 3 leaves, transplanting should begin, and later they should gradually be planted in place or potted for cultivation.
What types of impatiens are there?
1. Top-headed impatiens: a variety of impatiens, with flowers borne at the top of the main stem or branches, large flowers, double-petaled, and branches spreading to form a bushy plant.
2. Dwarf impatiens: a variety of impatiens, with a relatively short plant height of 20 to 30 cm.
3. Dragon-claw impatiens: a variety of impatiens, with side branches winding and extending horizontally.
How to grow potted impatiens?
1. Soil: For potted impatiens, mix 1 part garden soil, 1 part sandy soil, and 0.5 part leaf mold evenly, and place broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. After potting and watering, place it in a ventilated and shaded place, and after 3 to 5 days move it to a ventilated place with sufficient sunlight.
2. Light: Impatiens likes light and is also tolerant of shade. It is best to receive at least 4 hours of scattered sunlight every day. In summer, shade it to prevent excessively high temperatures and intense sun exposure.
3. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for impatiens is 6 to 26°C, and the environmental temperature during the flowering period should be kept above 10°C. In severe cold winter, it should be moved into a greenhouse to prevent cold damage.
4. Watering: During the growing period of impatiens, pay attention to watering and often keep the potting soil moist. Especially in summer, water more, but do not allow waterlogging or the soil to remain excessively wet for a long time. If there is a lot of rain, pay attention to drainage and flood prevention, otherwise the roots and stems are prone to rot.
5. Fertilizing: Since the cultivation soil has already been given sufficient base fertilizer, potted impatiens only need 1 to 2 applications of dilute fertilizer water during the growing period, to prevent excessive growth, which would otherwise affect the plant's shape and reduce its ornamental effect.
6. Pruning: When impatiens reaches a seedling height of 30-40 cm, the old leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed in time, and the growing tip should be pinched off to encourage more branching. Removing flowers at the base at any time will encourage the tops of the branches to bloom successively.
7. Pests and diseases: Impatiens commonly suffers from powdery mildew, which harms organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits. In the early stage of the disease, spray with 70% thiophanate-methyl 1000-fold solution or 50% carbendazim 1000-fold solution.