Home	Strange Wonderful Things Rare and exotic plants & seeds

Impatiens latiflora

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 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 or coarse sand.

 Fill the pots with soil and water it until uniformly moist (but not soggy). Place a seed or 2 on the surface and drip some water over the seed to settle it in.  Light helps the seeds germinate, so they should not be buried completely.

 Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the surface soil doesn't dry out.  A plastic dome or bag may be used to maintain moisture, but leave it open a crack to allow some fresh air in.  You may need to drip a few drops of water over the seeds every day to keep the soil moist.

 The ideal temperature for germination is between 65 to 74 degrees F (18-23°C).  A little cooler at night is ok.  Avoid letting them get above 77° F (25°C).  I recommend placing a thermometer near the pots, because the temperature can vary in different parts of a room.

 The seeds need some light to germinate, such as a fluorescent bulb kept a hand's length away. 

They should start germinating in 3 to 5 weeks, but allow up to 8 weeks for any slow ones to sprout.  For the first 2-3 weeks after sprouting, continue keeping the soil surface moist.

Growing onward...

Lighting -- This Impatiens prefers bright shade, or filtered sunlight.  Avoid prolonged direct sun, unless it's early-morning sun.

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, avoid packing the soil down, and do not fertilize the first week.

Watering -- Aim to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, most of the time. You may use a moisture meter probe to monitor the moisture levels down in the root zone.

Climate -- This Impatiens prefers mild temperatures.  In warmer areas, give it plenty of shade and moisture. Protect from freezing temperatures.  Above about 40% humidity is best. If your room humidity is too low, consider using an ultrasonic room humidifier, which you can buy at places like Home Depot and thrift shops.

Fertilizing -- Your Impatiens has average fertilizer needs. Feed about once a month during periods of active growth using a general-purpose fertilizer.  Use a 1/8 strength dose the first 3 months, 1/4 strength the next 6 months, and 1/2 strength after.  If your potting soil contains nutrients (check the label), your seedlings shouldn't need feeding the first 3 weeks.

 It's normal for a leaf to occasionally turn yellow and drop, but if it seems excessive, the plant may need more fertilizer, particularly nitrogen.  Also check that the soil isn't too dry down in the root zone.

Pests to watch for -- aphids, scale (dark disks on the stems), mealy bugs.  Be careful when choosing chemical remedies, because some may harm the plant.

Have fun growing them!

Strange Wonderful Things