Impatiens are loved for their beautiful flowers and ease of planting. Today, we're going to detail how to sow impatiens to help you start from scratch and bloom your own sea of impatiens.
1.Select the seed
First of all, you need to choose the right seeds. Impatiens seeds should be purchased from a reputable seed dealer. High-quality seeds guarantee a high germination rate, allowing your impatiens to show their attractive flowers in a short time.
2.Select the soil and container
Impatiens prefer fertile and not too sticky soil. You can buy specialized impatiens soil at a gardening store or online. Before sowing, you need to choose a container of the appropriate size. A round plate or plastic basin with a moderate depth is a good choice. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent the roots from being over-moistened and damaged.
3.Sowing
Fill the container with the selected soil until the container is filled. Then, gently compact the surface of the soil to create a shallow pit. Spread the seeds evenly in a shallow pit, and the distance between the seeds should not be too dense. Subsequently, lightly cover with a thin layer of soil.
4.Watering
After sowing, you need to water moderately. Too much water will rot the seeds, while too little water will make the seeds unable to germinate. It is best to use a watering can or sprayer to water to ensure that all seeds receive the right amount of water. Water once a day, morning and evening, to keep the soil moist.
5.Temperature and light
Impatiens prefer warm environments, so make sure your seeds grow at the right temperature. You can use a thermostat or heating pad to maintain the right temperature. At the same time, impatiens need plenty of sunlight to grow properly. Keep your container in a sunny place, but avoid direct sunlight to avoid harming freshly germinated seedlings.
6.Fertilization
Once you see the impatiens seedlings starting to grow, you can consider adding some fertilizer to help them thrive. Dedicated flower fertilizer or organic fertilizer are good choices. However, make sure that the fertilizer is suitable for impatiens and follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
7.Pest and disease control
Although impatiens are highly resistant to diseases, they can sometimes be infested by pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your impatiens for signs of pests and diseases, and if you notice anything unusual, you should take immediate action. Common control methods include the use of biological control, regular removal of dead leaves and diseased branches, and the use of disease-resistant varieties.
8.Harvest and preserve
When the impatiens begin to wither, you know that they are about to bear fruit. When the fruit is ripe (usually 8-10 weeks), you can start harvesting the seeds. The ripe fruit is plucked, the seeds inside are removed, and it is left to dry. Dried seeds can be stored in airtight bags or dry containers for use in the following year.
Overall, sowing impatiens is not difficult, as long as you master the above steps and take care of them patiently, you will be able to successfully make impatiens bloom in your yard or indoors. Enjoy the process and look forward to seeing the impatiens bloom again next year!