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Impatiens latiflora

Germinating the seeds

When to plant -- Plant your seeds when you receive them for best results.

Getting started -- You may plant each seed in individual, small containers, such as seedling starter trays.  Or you plant them all in a single, larger container, but it may be difficult to separate the roots later.  Either way, use containers with drainage holes

 Use well-draining soil.  I use a mix of 1 part coir fiber to 1 part perlite (use small- or medium-grade perlite, not coarse-grade).  An alternate mix is 2 parts quality potting soil to 1 part perlite.

 Fill the pots with soil and place a seed or 2 on the surface.  If you have long-fibered sphagnum moss, sprinkle a small amount over the surface.  This helps retain moisture around the seeds while allowing light to reach them, which aids germination.  The amount of moss to use is shown in this photo.  If you don't have the moss, sprinkle a small amount of your soil mix around the seeds.  Then add water until everything is evenly moist (but not soggy).

 Until the seeds sprout, ensure that the surface soil always stays moist.  A plastic dome or bag may be used to maintain near-100% humidity, 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 seeds moist.

 The ideal temperature for germination is between 65 to 77 degrees F (18-25°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 bulb kept 4 inches (10 cm) away provides the right amount of light.  Protect from direct sun. 

 They should start germinating in 3 to 5 weeks, and continue for about a month.  For the first 2-3 weeks after sprouting, continue keeping the soil surface moist.  After that, you may remove them from any plastic dome.

Fertilizing -- The first 6-8 weeks, feed every 7 days with a small amount of dilute (1/8 strength) liquid fertilizer.  Hydroponic fertilizer is ideal for this, because it is easily absorbed and contains all essential nutrients.  I use General Hydroponics Flora fertilizer, using 1 teaspoon/gallon (5 mL per 4 liters).  After 6-8 weeks, you may switch to granular fertilizer that contains micronutrients (I use this).  Or continue feeding weekly with liquid fertilizer at 1/8 strength.

 If the older leaves appear pale or yellowish, the soil may be too dry down in the root zone.  If soil moisture levels have been fine, the plant may need more nitrogen fertilizer.. especially if light levels are high.

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 most of the time.  Don't let it dry out completely, but don't keep it constantly soggy either.  If you're unsure if the soil down in the root zone has the proper moisture, you can use a moisture meter.

Climate -- This Impatiens prefers mild temperatures.  In warmer conditions, give it plenty of shade and moisture. Protect from freezing temperatures.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  If your plants seem to suffer from low humidity indoors, consider using an ultrasonic humidifier.

Pests to watch for -- aphids, scale (dark disks on the stems), mealy bugs.  Try using insecticidal soap before using stronger remedies, since some may harm the plant.

Have fun growing them!

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