growing impatiens indoors from seed

Impatiens seeds should germinate in 14 to 21 days. Remove the glass or plastic covering as soon as germination occurs. Transplant the seedlings into plastic cell packs, peat pots, or other containers within 7 to 10 days of germination. Then place the seedlings in a sunny, south window or under fluorescent lights.

Do impatiens do well indoors?

Though most commonly grown as a tender annual bedding plant due to their inability to tolerate frost, impatiens plants that have to be brought indoors can easily and reliably be grown throughout the winter months.

Do Impatiens grow well in pots?

You can use impatiens flowers as bedding plants, border plants, or in containers. They enjoy moist but well draining soil and partial to deep shade. They do not do as well in full sun, but if you would like to plant them in full sun, they will need to be acclimated to the harsher light.

Is it too late to plant impatiens seeds?

Start your impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) seeds indoors in late winter or spring, eight to 10 weeks before the end of frost in your area. After your last frost, you can plant the seedlings in the garden.

Can you direct sow impatiens?

Impatiens prefer a very warm soil to germinate so wait until the soil is very warm, 75 degrees. ... Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface a couple of weeks before the last frost and cover lightly with soil. The seeds will sprout in about 2 weeks.

How do you care for potted impatiens?

Care

The most important thing to remember about impatiens plants is to water them regularly. Keep them moist, but not too wet. If the plants dry out, they will lose their leaves. If you over-water the plants, this could encourage fungal diseases.
Remember container plants will need more water.

How do you keep impatiens blooming?

Avoid planting your impatiens in full sun. If you have them in full shade and they're not blooming well, try moving them to a spot that gets a few hours of good afternoon sun exposure. Another common cause of no flowers on impatiens is improper watering.

What flowers bloom all summer in the shade?

Perennials For Shade That Bloom All Summer!

Geranium – Perfect Flower for Shade Gardens! ...
Astilbe – Shade Perennials That Are Repeat Bloomers. ...
Spiderwort – Perennials Flowers for Shade or Sun. ...
Hardy Fuchsias – Part Shade Perennials That Bloom All Summer. ...
Campanula (Bellflower) – Blue & Purple Perennial Flowers for Shade.

What is the best fertilizer for impatiens?

Liquid fertilizers work best when it comes to impatiens, as they can be absorbed quickly by the roots and foliage. Water soluble vegetable and flower fertilizer works wonders in keeping all of your annual plants and vegetables growing strong. Use less than full strength doses when applying weekly.

Where do impatiens grow best?

Impatiens do equally well in pots, planters and garden beds. They like shady spots, so choose an area that has partial shade throughout the day. Make sure the soil is moist but well-drained, since impatiens can get mildew if they spend time in standing water. Impatiens grow best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Do impatiens die in winter?

Dry winds desiccate their leaves, and cold temperatures and moisture cause their roots and stems to rot. Impatiens plants that bloomed enthusiastically through the previous spring, summer and fall are probably all tuckered out and won't survive the winter.

Do impatiens reseed themselves?

Impatiens plants thrive in pots, window boxes, hanging baskets and in the ground and are the only annual that blooms vigorously in the shade. They are easy to transplant (with a ball of soil), often reseed themselves and have a tendency to form a rounded mound as they grow, so they always have a tidy look.

How do I get impatiens seeds?

Impatiens seeds can be collected from the flowers after the growing season when the pods develop at the ends of the stems. The best time to collect the seeds is before the pods pop and spill the seeds inside onto the ground.

Do impatiens like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are a good source of slow-release nitrogen, but are also acidic (3.0-5.0 pH). When using them as a side dressing, concentrate on acid-loving plants such as blueberries, raspberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, hibiscus, begonias, caladiums, impatiens, gardenias, citrus (in pots), heathers and most conifers.

What are the easiest flowers to grow from seed?

10 Quick Blooming Flowers to Grow from Seed

Johnny Jump-ups. ...
Cornflowers. ...
Nigella. ...
Nasturtiums. ...
Annual Phlox. ...
Petunias. ...
Poppies. ...
Sunflowers. Surprisingly cold-hardy, sunflower seedlings often survive spring frosts, and getting a few sunflowers off to an early start is always rewarding.

Can I put seeds directly in the ground?

Growing seeds indoors is one way of starting your garden. Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. ... Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.

How long does it take impatiens to bloom from seed?

Impatiens seed is fairly large compared to petunia or begonia seed. Under ideal conditions it will show a white sprout in about 5-7 days. Some seed may take a little longer. The white root sprout is the first to slowly poke out; the green bud (the leaf part of the seedling) slowly follows.

Are impatiens toxic to dogs?

Many plants are toxic to cats and dogs, but cheerful impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) aren't toxic to pets. This annual is typically used as a flowering houseplant, or in flower beds or window boxes, placing the plant right in the middle of cat territory.

How do you grow impatiens in pots?

Propagation

This is the best and easiest way to grow these plants.
Fill the pot with a good quality potting mix.
Make a hole in the soil and place the seedling—Pat soil around the roots.
Water the plants well and do not let the soil go completely dry.
Keep the pot at a shady location.

How often should I water impatiens?

Once in the ground, the impatiens will need at least two inches of water a week. When temperatures average consistently above 80 degrees, water at least four inches weekly.

Do impatiens spread?

You can help impatiens plants spread by planting them about 12 inches from each another. ... If you plant impatiens in dense configurations, they will grow upward and produce no spreading appearance. Impatiens need some sunlight for blossom and seed development, but they perform best in filtered shade.

How do you get New Guinea impatiens to bloom again?

Light Levels. A partially shady spot encourages flowering in New Guinea impatiens. Morning sun and afternoon shade provide the best light levels for these plants and promote prolific blooming. In areas of the garden that receive more than eight hours of sunlight a day, blooming is reduced.