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"True Blue" Impatiens

Impatiens namchabarwensis

Your seeds should be planted immediately for best results

Getting started -- This Impatiens likes moist, well-draining soil that's high in organic matter.  Most high quality potting soils should work.  If the soil seems too dense and heavy, lighten it up by adding some perlite.

Fill small containers to within 1/2" of the top with screened soil. Water it so it is uniformly moist, but not soggy. Place a seed on top of each pot, and sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculate (or soil) over it - just enough to cover the seeds.  Spray the top soil with a spray bottle. 

These seeds sprout the best after a period of coldness, so place the pots in a spot that's between 40 and 50 degrees F, for 2 weeks.  If you don't have such a spot, place the pots in plastic bags and put them in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.  Make sure the refrigerator is not set too cold!  The temperature should be over 37 degrees.

After 2 weeks, remove the pots and take the bags off.  Ensure that the surface soil doesn't dry out.  A propagation dome works well for this, if vented daily.  The seeds need some light to germinate, such as a fluorescent bulb held a few inches away.  The ideal temperature for germination is between 60 and 70 degrees. 

I recommend using rain water or bottled spring water until your plants are a few inches tall.  You may then use tap water, as long as it's not filtered through a water-softening filter, like Brita or Pur.  These add sodium to the water, which may harm the plant.

The seeds should start germinating in 3-5 weeks, but allow up to 10 weeks for any slow ones to sprout.

Climate -- The "True Blue" Impatiens does best at temperatures between about 50 and 85.  It can tolerate dips into the 40s but it must be protected from freezing temperatures.  If you're in a warm area, you may wish to grow it indoors.  If the air indoors is dry, consider using a room humidifier.

Lighting -- This Impatiens does best in filtered light.  Prolonged direct sun may burn it, unless it's morning or late afternoon sun.   In warmer areas, keep it well shaded during mid-day.  Keep the pot shaded too, for the same reason.

Watering -- Try to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, most of the time.  Ensure that the soil doesn't dry out.

Repotting -- When the roots start circling the bottom of the container or poke out the holes at the bottom, repot it into a larger container, such as a 4" pot.  Adult plants can be grown in 1-2 gallon pots.

Fertilizing -- Your Impatiens likes average amounts of fertilizer. Feed about every 3 weeks during periods of active growth using regular all-purpose fertilizer that has micronutrients.  It's normal for an older leaf to occasionally turn yellow and drop, but if it's excessive, the plant may need more fertilizer, particularly nitrogen.  Don't try to force more growth with excessive fertilizer.  By the way, most potting soils contain nutrients, so your seedling shouldn't need feeding for at least the first 2 weeks.

Pruning --  You can cut back unwanted branches partially or completely and the plant will grow bushier.  Try not to remove more than 10-20% of the branches in a week. 

Pests to watch for -- Scale (little brown disks on the stems - very hard to see!), aphids, spider mites (tiny "dots" under the leaves), whitefly, mealy bugs. 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. 

Enjoy your plant!

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