Germinating the seeds
Getting started -- You may plant each seed in individual, small containers. Or you plant them all in a single container, but it may be more difficult to transplant them later. Either way, use pots with drainage holes For soil, use a well draining mix high in organic matter. A typical mix is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part
perlite
(use small- or medium-size perlite, not large chunks) or
coarse sand. An alternate mix is 1 part perlite to 1 part
coir fiber or
peat moss, with some slow-release fertilizer
mixed in. Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the surface soil always stays moist. A plastic dome or bag is good for maintaining moisture, but leave it open slightly to allow some fresh air in. You may need to drip a few drops of water over the seeds every day to keep the seeds moist. The ideal temperature for germination is between 65 to 78 degrees F (18-26°C). A little cooler at night is ok. Avoid letting them get above 80° F (27°C) for prolonged periods. I recommend placing a minimum/maximum thermometer near the pots. A fluorescent or
LED light kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of
light. Protect from direct sun. Lighting -- This Impatiens prefers bright shade, or filtered sunlight. Avoid prolonged direct sun, unless it's early-morning sun. Fertilizing -- The first 2 months, feed weekly with a small
amount of
dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer.
Hydroponic fertilizer
is ideal for young seedlings, since it is easily absorbed and
contains all essential nutrients. After 2 months, you may
switch to a granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients, following the dosage on the package.
Or continue feeding weekly with dilute liquid fertilizer. Transplanting -- When your plants are 2-3 months old, you may gently transfer them to a larger pot. Water the soil first, and avoid letting the soil ball break apart, which can damage the roots. After transplanting, give no sun or liquid fertilizer the first week. Growing onward... Over about
40% humidity is best. If your plants seem to suffer from low humidity
indoors, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier, sold at
home improvement stores and some thrift shops. - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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