How to plant Impatiens seeds
This article provides a detailed introduction on how to plant Impatiens seeds and the sowing methods and management of green ornamental plants. It contains useful knowledge and tips, so it's recommended to save it for future reference!
Impatiens is an annual herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Impatiens genus of the Balsaminaceae family, also known as nail polish plant, quick-tempered plant, or Impatiens balsamina. The flowers resemble flying phoenixes, have a long blooming period, and are easy to cultivate. They are very common in gardens, with leaves similar to peach leaves and flowers in various colors such as pink, white, purple, or red and white. The sepals and petals form a phoenix-like shape. Flowers can be single or double-petaled, and there are different types such as rose, camellia, and Chinese pink. Impatiens is a popular annual herbaceous plant loved by both the general public and children in both urban and rural areas. Impatiens is a plant that requires a single planting for long-term enjoyment. In rural areas, almost every household plants them, and many lush Impatiens grow by the courtyard, which are not specifically planted by the homeowners. They usually grow from seeds that drop to the ground after the first planting and continue to grow the following year, making them a "lazy person's flower." How to cultivate and care for Impatiens?
I. Propagation methods: The propagation method of Impatiens is by sowing seeds, usually carried out from April to May each year. It is possible to raise seedlings for transplanting, and if sowing in a greenhouse or in a warm indoor area using flower pots, it can be done as early as February. Common sowing methods include strip sowing, furrow broadcasting, or bed broadcasting. After sowing, cover the seeds with soil to the point where they are not visible. Use straw mats or plastic mulch to keep the soil moist. Generally, seeds will germinate in 8-10 days. Once about 10% of the seedlings have emerged, promptly remove the covering material and thin the seedlings by removing weak, elongated, and mixed seedlings. Ensure good air circulation and adequate sunlight to promote rapid growth of the Impatiens seedlings.
II. Transplanting: When the Impatiens seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted once, and by the end of May, they can be planted in flower pots or around the courtyard. If planted in a continuous area, keep the spacing between plants about 33 cm apart to avoid dense planting, which may affect ventilation and lead to serious powdery mildew later on. If direct sowing in flower pots or around the courtyard, thinning is needed slightly after the seedlings emerge.
III. Water and fertilizer management: After transplanting the seedlings, water them frequently to keep the soil moist. During the growing period, they do not like excessive water. If excessive watering occurs, it can lead to yellowing and falling leaves. Watering should follow the principle of "thoroughly wet and then dry," which is beneficial for root growth. When the plants are vigorous, increase the watering amount and apply 1-2 liquid fertilizers, commonly using diluted decomposed human manure or decomposed cake fertilizer. It is also possible to use dried cow or pig manure mixed with cake fertilizer powder and a small amount of ammonium sulfate or urea, scattered in the rows for weeding and mixing with the soil thoroughly. During the dry season in summer, water promptly to avoid leaf drop and fertilize frequently to extend the blooming period.
IV. Daily management: When the Impatiens plants reach about 10 cm in height, pinch the tips, leaving only 2-3 leaves. This should be done 2-3 times to promote more branching and dwarf the plant.
V. Regularly cultivate the soil to remove weeds, keep the soil loose to reduce water evaporation, and promote air circulation, which is an important task to ensure the rapid and robust growth of Impatiens seedlings.
VI. Seed harvesting: The flowering period of Impatiens is from June to August, and the fruit maturity period is from August to September. Impatiens have a long flowering period, lasting from spring to early winter. When the seeds are mature, they scatter automatically. Just touching the mature pod shell causes it to pop open immediately, hence the name "quick-tempered plant." Therefore, it is important to harvest the seeds in a timely manner to prevent them from scattering completely after maturity. Harvest the seeds before the fruit matures, when the pod skin turns white, then cover and dry them, and store them properly.
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