How to plant impatiens seeds, and what is the most suitable temperature?

Growing impatiens from seed:

Impatiens are moderately difficult to grow from seed, but a little TLC produces satisfactory results.

Impatiens need warm soil and light to germinate. A soil temperature (not room temperature) of 75 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. If a constant soil temperature is not maintained during germination, the seeds may rot.

Compared with petunia or begonia seeds, impatiens seeds are fairly large. Under ideal conditions, they will show white sprouts in about 5-7 days. Some seeds may take longer. The white root sprout is the first to slowly poke out; the green sprout (the leaf portion of the seedling) slowly follows.

1. Sow the seeds in a peat mix or a sterilized, well-aerated soil mix.

2. Fill a flat or pot (depending on which you prefer to use); level and firm the edges and corners.

3. Water thoroughly with hot water (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). Wait 30-60 minutes or longer, then repeat the process.

4. Let the starting mix cool to a temperature that is touchable.

5. Sow the impatiens seeds thinly (about 4-6 seeds per inch) by pressing the seeds into the starting mix - do not cover the seeds with starting mix.

6. Loosely cover the flat, tray or pot (whichever you choose to use) with plastic wrap to maintain humidity.

7. Place the flat, tray or pot on bottom heat. Bottom heat will maintain the proper temperature. Strive to bring the soil temperature to 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit (but never above 85 degrees Fahrenheit). If you cover the pan, tray or pot with glass to maintain high humidity, you risk cooking the seeds. It is better to cover loosely to allow some air.

8. Full sun.

A misting system may help impatiens seeds germinate. Be careful not to over-drown the seeds. Misting may be paused on cloudy days. Bright, hot weather may require additional misting. Use with caution; it is easy to over-mist. If covered loosely, impatiens seeds germinate very successfully without using a misting system.