How to plant and care for Impatiens

Impatiens , as an annual herb, has rich colors, including white, pink, scarlet, rose red, lavender, purple or variegated colors, with single or double petals. The flowering period is generally from June to August. Let’s learn about the planting and maintenance methods of Impatiens.

1. Impatiens breeding techniques

1. Cutting propagation

Select strong young branches that are 8-10 cm long and have bloomed flowers, put them in a bottle of water, place them under the sun, maintain the temperature at around 20℃, and they will take root in about 20-25 days. After rooting, it can be transplanted directly into a pot and the terminal buds can be removed to promote branching. Another method of cutting is to cut cuttings with three nodes from the mother plant and gently insert the cuttings into the mixed matrix (peat ash: sawdust: vermiculite = 4:3:3), being careful not to damage the cuttings. Water immediately after cuttings, and then spray with 1000 times thiophanate-methyl solution, spray for 10 minutes every 30 minutes, keeping the leaves moist but not waterlogged. After about 10 to 14 days, the cuttings will take root.

2. Seed propagation

Sowing is done around the Qingming solar term. Common sowing methods include row sowing, furrow sowing or bed sowing. After sowing, cover the soil so that the seeds are not visible, and use straw mats or mulch to keep moisture. Keep the temperature of the seedbed at 15-20℃, and the seeds will germinate after about 7 days. After emergence, remove the covering and gradually increase the light. When the seedlings grow to 1 cm high, pinch them off and transplant them.

2. Cultivation Technology

1. Ground planting

Choose a fertile, well-drained site with plenty of sunlight and moist air. Before transplanting, level and harrow the planting site, and dig holes with a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 20 cm. The depth of the holes depends on the number of roots of the seedlings. Plant the seedlings with soil in the hole, compact the soil and water them to help them take root, then seal the hole after the water seeps down.

2. Potted plants

Choose well-drained sandy soil for potting. Place broken tiles at the bottom of the flowerpot, then fill it with culture soil, place the Impatiens plant in the center of the flowerpot, make sure the roots are stretched out, fill the soil to half of the flowerpot, and gently lift and shake the plant to compact the soil. Do not plant too deep, keep the rhizome level with the rim of the pot. After planting, water it thoroughly, then keep it in the shade for about a week, and then move it to a sunny place after the root system recovers.

3. Water and fertilizer management

After transplanting, the seedlings need to be watered frequently to keep the soil moist. Avoid excessive watering during the growing period to prevent yellowing and falling leaves. Following the principle of "water thoroughly when dry" is beneficial to root growth. When the plant is growing vigorously, increase the amount of watering and apply 1-2 times of liquid fertilizer, such as dilute decomposed human manure water, decomposed cake fertilizer water, etc. You can also use cow or pig manure mixed with cake fertilizer powder and a small amount of ammonium sulfate or urea, spread it between the rows and cultivate and weed, and mix it thoroughly with the soil.

IV. Daily Management

When the seedlings grow to 1 cm high, pinch them off and transplant them. When the Impatiens plant grows to about 10 cm, retain 2-3 nodes and pinch off the top to promote branching. When the plant grows to about 40 cm, remove the old leaves at the bottom and pick off the top to promote more branches and flowers. Regular tillage and weeding to keep the soil loose, reduce water evaporation and promote air circulation are the key to ensuring the rapid and healthy growth of Impatiens seedlings.

In short, special attention should be paid to watering of Impatiens during the growing period, and the soil in the pot should be kept continuously moist. Especially in the hot summer season, it is necessary to water once in the morning and evening, but avoid water accumulation.