How Long Does It Take for Impatiens to Go from Sowing to Setting Seed? A Detailed Guide to Planting Time and Methods

Impatiens is also known as garden balsam, "quick-tempered seed," and impatiens stem, among other names. It has medicinal properties and is also a common ornamental flower. So how long does it roughly take for impatiens to go from sowing to setting seed? When is the best time to plant? How should it be grown?

1. How long does it roughly take for impatiens to go from sowing to setting seed?

Impatiens takes 150-240 days to go from sowing to setting seed. Different varieties, planting regions, management techniques and other factors will all cause differences in its growth cycle. The growth of impatiens includes the following stages:

1. Sowing stage

Spring is a good time to sow impatiens. Seedlings emerge about 13 days after sowing.

2. Leafing stage

One week after the impatiens seedlings emerge, the first pair of true leaves grows (sown in April, germinated). Then, 10 days after sowing, liquid fertilizer can be applied, and thereafter once every week.

3. Rapid growth stage

At this stage the impatiens grows rapidly, quickly producing lush leaves and beginning to form flower buds.

4. Flowering stage

In May, impatiens enters its flowering stage. At this time, pinching, topdressing, and waterlogging prevention are needed.

5. Seed-setting stage

Impatiens enters the seed-setting stage in September-October. At this time, seed collection and seed saving can be carried out.

2. When is the best time to plant impatiens?

Impatiens can generally be sown from March to September each year, with April being the best time for sowing. However, in different regions, the sowing time varies due to factors such as climate and soil, so everyone should go by the actual situation.

3. How should impatiens be grown?

1. Choosing the site and sowing

Choose a plot with sufficient sunlight. The soil is best if it is moist, fertile, loose, and well-drained. After preparing the land, making beds, and applying fertilizer, sow the pre-germinated seeds directly in the field at a row spacing of 35CM, then cover with soil and water.

2. Raising seedlings and potting up

When the seedlings are 5-10CM tall, thin them out promptly, and set the seedlings at a plant spacing of 20 cm with reasonably dense planting. Then, after the seedlings are successfully raised, they can be planted out in flower pots, flower beds, and other places.

3. Field management

After the impatiens seedlings emerge, to prevent weeds from competing for water, loosen the soil and weed in a timely manner. Water promptly during drought. Carry out intertillage and weeding 2-3 times a year. When the plants are 30-40 cm tall, the old leaves on the lower part of the stems can be removed and the growing tips pinched off, while applying an appropriate amount of decomposed cake fertilizer. Flowers that bloom early should be removed. During high temperatures and rainy periods, pay attention to watering and drainage to avoid disease and death caused by drought or waterlogging.

4. Pests and diseases

Impatiens is susceptible to invasion by pests and diseases such as powdery mildew, brown spot, root-knot nematode disease, and hawk moths, so during the planting process be sure to remember to take preventive measures in advance.

Generally speaking, as long as the temperature, water, and fertilizer are suitable and management is proper, impatiens can be sown. Moreover, impatiens has a relatively long flowering period, making it a very good choice to grow as an ornamental flower.