What are the common varieties of Impatiens walleriana, and how is cutting propagation done?

Impatiens walleriana, also known as Impatiens holstii, African impatiens, dwarf impatiens, and Sudan impatiens, so what are the common varieties of Impatiens walleriana? What is the cutting method? How does it propagate? According to available information, Impatiens walleriana prefers warmth, and in winter it requires higher temperatures, while in summer it is important to keep it cool and well ventilated. Impatiens walleriana prefers a semi-shaded environment, and the soil generally needs to be well-drained and rich in humus.

I. What are the common varieties of Impatiens walleriana?

Accent

This variety is the series with the richest colors among Impatiens walleriana, with a total of 24 single colors and 8 bicolors.

Super Elfin

This variety is the solid-color series of Impatiens walleriana, with rich colors including pink, white, orange, red, and apricot yellow; among them, Sunrise has orange-red flowers with purple edges, while Pearl has yellow-white flowers.

Lady Shade

It is an early-flowering type, taking about two months from sowing to flowering; among them, Red and White has red petals with a broad white central stripe, forming a star shape.

Swirl

Plant height is 25-30 cm, flower diameter is 5 cm, and among them, Peach has orange-red flowers with dark edges.

Blitz

A heat-tolerant variety, suitable for hanging basket cultivation.

Mosaic

This variety has strong branching; among them, Rose Mosaic and Lilac Mosaic have beautiful and elegant flower colors.

Pride

This variety belongs to the series with the largest flowers among Impatiens walleriana, with a flower diameter of about 6-7 cm.

Speed

It is a super-early-flowering type, generally flowering about 50 days after sowing.

Carousel

A double-flowered series, suitable for hanging baskets and planter boxes.

II. What is the cutting method?

1. Time for cutting Impatiens walleriana

Impatiens walleriana has a self-seeding function, spreading on its own after the seeds mature in order to reproduce.

However, when growing Impatiens walleriana, cuttings can also be used, especially for the double-flowered varieties.

The best time for cutting propagation of Impatiens walleriana is in spring and autumn.

2. Selection of cuttings for Impatiens walleriana

When propagating Impatiens walleriana by cuttings, suitable cuttings should be selected; generally, terminal buds are best for cuttings, because terminal buds grow relatively quickly and root quickly as well.

When taking cuttings, generally cut off branches with terminal buds and 3——5 nodes for cutting, with a length of about 5——10 cm. Note that the flowers and flower buds should be removed, and all the leaves on the lower half should also be removed.

3. Cutting and planting method for Impatiens walleriana

First, prepare a flowerpot with a diameter of 7.5 cm, fill it with perlite, being careful not to fill it completely, then insert the cuttings into the soil. One pot can hold 3——5 cuttings.

After cutting, the pot opening can be covered with plastic wrap to help the cuttings take root. Generally, after cutting Impatiens walleriana, roots will form in 2/3 weeks, at which point they can be transplanted and planted.

When transplanting and planting, fill the flowerpot with soil, then place the plant in it, fill it with soil, and firm it down. Note that after planting, pinching can be done to shape a good plant form.

III. How does it propagate?

1. Seed propagation of Impatiens walleriana

When cultivating Impatiens walleriana indoors, sowing propagation can be carried out throughout the year. The sowing medium is preferably a sterilized mixture of culture soil, leaf mold, and fine sand. Because the seeds of Impatiens walleriana are relatively small and have a light requirement, no soil cover is needed after sowing. After scattering the seeds, a layer of glass or plastic film can be placed over the pot surface, and it should be kept at about 20-25°C; germination will occur in about half a month. After Impatiens walleriana germinates, to stabilize the plants, an appropriate amount of fine soil can be sprinkled on the pot surface. About 3 months after sowing, it can bloom.

2. Cutting propagation of Impatiens walleriana

Cutting propagation is more suitable for propagating double-flowered varieties or for small-scale propagation. Cuttings can be taken at any time; select robust growing branches of Impatiens walleriana, cut them into branches about 5-10 cm long for cutting, insert them in sand or soak them in water, maintain a temperature of about 20°C, and roots will form in about 10 days; after rooting, they can be potted.