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If you grow any flowers outdoors, the odds are good that youve grown impatiens. This cheerful flower is the most popular one grown in the country, and with good reason. It does well in shade as well as partial sun and works in planters as a hanging plant and in bedding. Impatiens make a strong impression when done in mass plantings, too, but it can be expensive to buy a large collection from a garden center.
Learning how to grow impatiens from seeds is the best way to keep your landscaping plans while holding down the cost. Keep reading to learn more about impatiens seed propagation.
Impatiens are beautiful annual flowers that can brighten up any garden with their vibrant colors Often called “busy lizzies”, these flowers are loved for their long blooming period and ability to thrive in shady areas. Starting impatiens from seeds is an easy and affordable way to add these jewels to your landscape.
When to Start Impatiens Seeds
Impatiens are tropical plants that cannot withstand frost. Therefore, they should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
For example, if your last spring frost date is around May 15th, you will want to start sowing seeds in late March or early April. This gives the seedlings enough time to develop strong roots and leaves before being transplanted outside.
Starting too early can result in tall leggy seedlings so be sure to follow the recommended time frame. Late April or early May is ideal for most regions.
Choosing Containers and Seed Starting Mix
Impatiens seeds are tiny, so select containers with small cells for easy spacing. Trays or flats with partitions work well. Individual small pots (3-4 inches wide) can also be used.
Be sure containers have drainage holes and are cleaned prior to use. Disinfect previously used containers with a diluted bleach solution.
A sterile, soilless seed starting mix is recommended. This prevents damping off disease which can affect delicate seedlings. Choose a mix that retains moisture but still drains well.
Sowing the Seeds
Moisten the seed starting mix before sowing. Fill containers and firm down lightly. Water thoroughly from the bottom by placing the tray or pots in a shallow reservoir of water until the surface is wet. Allow to drain.
Impatiens seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them. Simply press them lightly onto the surface of the moistened soil. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart.
Use a pencil tip or toothpick to handle and place tiny impatiens seeds. Cover trays with plastic domes or wrap in plastic to retain moisture.
Germination and Growing Conditions
Keep seed trays between 70-75°F for best germination. Bottom heat such as a heat mat or heated propagation tray helps maintain the proper temperature.
Germination takes 14-21 days. Remove any plastic domes/covers once seeds sprout. Place seedlings under grow lights or in a bright, sunny window. Maintain a temperature of 60-70°F.
Water carefully to keep soil moist but not saturated. Use bottom watering or a spray bottle to avoid disturbing delicate seedlings. Fertilize with a dilute solution once true leaves appear.
Transplanting Outdoors
After the seedlings develop 2-4 true leaves, begin acclimating them to the outdoors. Place pots outside in a shady spot for a few hours at a time over the course of a week.
Gradually increase exposure to prevent transplant shock. Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in pots. Keep the soil moist.
Space impatiens plants 8-12 inches apart in the garden. They thrive in partial shade locations and enriched, well-draining soil. Use trellises or cages to support tall varieties.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leggy seedlings – Caused by insufficient light and warmth. Provide supplementary lighting and maintain optimal temperature range after germination.
Seeds not sprouting – Check planting depth, moisture level and temperature. Surface sow seeds for light exposure. Cover to maintain humidity. Bottom heat speeds germination.
Damping off disease – Fungal issue causing seedling collapse. Use sterile starting mix and avoid overwatering. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Wilting after transplant – Prevents transplant shock by hardening off gradually. Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide shade until established.
Tips for Success
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Start seeds at the proper time indoors based on your frost date.
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Use a seed starting mix and sterilized containers with drainage holes.
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Carefully surface sow seeds and provide warm bottom heat for germination.
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Once sprouted, move to a sunny spot and grow under lights or in a sunny window.
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Gradually harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost.
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Water regularly and fertilize lightly. Pinch back leggy plants.
Enjoying Impatiens All Season Long
One of the best parts of growing impatiens from seed is you can sow successive rounds every few weeks for continuous blooms. Stagger your planting times for non-stop color all season long.
You can also collect ripe seeds in the fall to sow again next year. Though not all will come true, reseeding saves money for the frugal gardener.
With proper care, starting these annuals from seed is easy, rewarding, and economical. Be sure to provide impatiens with the right growing conditions, and you will be enjoying their vibrant blossoms in your garden soon!
Tips on Growing Impatiens from Seeds
Growing impatiens from seeds is a slow process, but a simple one. Fill each cell with a moistened commercial seed-starting mix, leaving a ½ inch (1 cm.) space between the top of the soil and the edge of the planter.
Put the cells on a tray and fill the tray with water. Allow the mix to soak up water from the bottom until the top of the mix is moist. Pour the rest of the water out of the tray. Place two seeds on top of the soil in each cell and sprinkle a light dusting of mix over them. Mist the top of the cells with clear water.
Propagating Impatiens by Seed
Impatiens is a slow-growing plant, and youll need to start the seedlings about three months before your last spring frost. Impatiens seed germination can take up to 21 days, with most of the sprouting happening within the first two weeks.
Some gardeners may try to save money by broadcasting the seeds over a tray, then transplanting the tiny seedlings once they grow leaves, but youll reduce the chance of transplant shock if you start the seeds off in individual small pots or six-pack cells of their own.
Youll have to transplant the seedlings to there anyway, so you might as well start them in their eventual home. Any empty cells from seeds that dont sprout are a small price to pay for healthier, sturdy impatiens.
How To Sow Impatiens Seeds | Grow Impatiens From Seed || Budget Gardening
FAQ
Are impatiens easy to grow from seed?
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Start indoors:Impatiens are slow-growing, so it’s best to start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
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Warm temperatures:Impatiens need warm temperatures (around 70°F or 21°C) and light to germinate.
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Light:Impatiens seeds require light to germinate, so don’t cover them when planting.
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Moisture:Keep the seed-starting mix consistently moist but not soggy.
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Transplant:Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost and when the soil is warm.
How do you start impatiens seeds inside?
- Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets.
- Sow seeds 6mm deep.
- Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
- Seeds should germinate in around 14-21 days at a soil temperature of 22-26°C.
What month should I plant impatiens?
| Plant name | Zone | Plant seedlings/transplants outdoors (spring/fall) |
|---|---|---|
| Impatiens | 4b | On/around May 15 (after last frost) |
| Impatiens | 5a | On/around April 15 (after last frost) |
| Impatiens | 5b | On/around April 15 (after last frost) |
| Impatiens | 6a | On/around April 15 (after last frost) |
How do you root impatiens in water?
- Step 1 – Select an impatiens stem that does not have flowers. …
- Step 2 – Remove the lower leaves, exposing the nodes.
- Step 3 – Fill a vessel with water or prepare a container with rich, well-drained soil.
- Step 4 – Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone if you have it.
Can Impatiens grow from seed?
As long as you provide a few key conditions, impatiens are quite easy to grow from seed. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost. They require a relatively long growth period before being ready to transplant outdoors. Slow germination means seeds must be sown early.
How do you germinate Impatiens?
When germinating Impatiens, the soil needs to be maintained at 75°F , otherwise the seeds may be susceptible to rotting within the soil. Start in individual pots or small tray cells with peat-light mix or sterilized soil mix – fill your cells/pots with the mix, then water with warm water before sowing your seeds.
How do Impatiens ripen?
Impatiens use what is known as “ballistic dispersal” to send their seeds far and wide. When ripe, the pods burst open in explosive dehiscence, sending the seeds several feet away from the plant. If you want to catch the seeds before the pods burst, look for a pod that is full and plump but hasn’t split open yet.
How to grow impatiens in pots?
Related: Growing Impatiens in Pots 1. Set up a tray or seed flats of well-aerated, sterilized soil mix. 2. Smooth the soil mix to level it and tamp it lightly to make it firm. 3. Use hot water of approximately 100° degrees Fahrenheit or higher and moisten the soil thoroughly. Wait about an hour and water again with hot water. 4.
Why are my Impatiens seedlings vigor different?
Once dormancy requirements are met, however, continued exposure inhibits emergence of the root, a likely cause of differences in seedling vigor later on. The solution is pretty simple. Sow impatiens seed on the surface of moist soil, and put the seed in sunlight or under bright lights in an area that’s about 75° F.
How long does it take for Impatiens seeds to germinate?
Gently press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the seed tray warm and moist by placing it in a propagator or covering it with plastic wrap. Impatiens seeds typically germinate within 10-14 days. Once they have sprouted, provide them with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.