Growing Impatiens

Impatiens were discovered growing in the eastern regions of Africa, from Mozambique to Tanganyika. They were thought to be native to Zanzibar, an island off the coast and part of present day Tanzania. Impatiens were first brought to England in 1896 by a British physician and naturalist, Dr. John Kirk. In the 1950s, they were available only as open pollinated plants and as a mixture of flower colors. Bob Rieman of Ball Seed Co. started breeding impatiens in 1956 to improve plant qualities, such as flower size and habit, through hybridization. Sluis & Groot introduced the 'Imp' series, and the Joseph Harris Seed Co. introduced the 'Shadeglow' series in the 1960s. Claude Hope, "Father of Modern Impatiens", created a series of eight colors of new impatiens in 1965 and worked with PanAmerican Seed in 1968 to introduce the 'Elfin' impatiens.

Impatiens are classified using five basic characteristics - plant height and flower size, flower form, flower color, foliage color, and New Guinea types. In general, plant height and flower size are related -- large plants produce large flowers. But basically, there are three mature plant heights for impatiens -- dwarf (8 to 10 inches tall), medium (10 to 12 inches tall), and tall (reaching 1 to 2 feet). The flower size ranges from 1 to 2 inches. Flower form can be single, semi-double, or fully double blooms that look similar to miniature roses. The wide range of flower colors includes red, orange, salmon, rose, pink, white, violet, and lavender blue. There are two types of bicolor patterns -- the star pattern and the picotee pattern. The star pattern is a solid color, like red or rose, with a white star formed in the center by the five petals. The picotee design is a light color on the bloom interior and a darker color on the edge of the petals.

In 1989, the variety 'Tango' (grown from seed) was introduced and received the All-America Selections Award. 'Tango' is part of the class of New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens sp. - parent species not released by breeders) which are taller than Impatiens wallerana (about 14 inches), have larger blooms (2 to 3 inches or more), and can tolerate more sunlight. These plants can be grown vegetatively or from seed. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens from seed have been introduced including new flower colors and some with variegated foliage.

Impatiens is an easy annual to grow. They need proper soil conditions, water, and protection from exposure to full sun. They thrive in filtered or partial shade and can only tolerate sunny conditions if given adequate water and a humid climate. Impatiens have succulent stems and quickly wilt when in need of water. Those grown in the soil under trees will need extra water and fertilizer due to competing with the tree roots.

Impatiens seed should be started indoors six to ten weeks prior to planting outside. Use a sterile, soilless, starting media to prevent "damping off" of the seedlings. Water the mixture in the seed flat before sowing the seed to avoid washing the small seed into clumps or out of the flat. Scatter seed thinly on top of the planting media, and cover it lightly. To help retain moisture, place the flat in a clear plastic bag with a few holes poked in it to allow for air circulation. Keep the flat warm by providing bottom heat (place the flat on top of a refrigerator or use a heating cable). When needed, water the flat from the bottom by placing it in a pan of water. When the seeds sprout (in eight to ten days), remove the plastic bag and move the flat to a place that has more light. A quicker way to get impatiens is to purchase transplants from a local nursery or garden center.

After the last chance of frost, harden off your impatiens by placing them in an area sheltered from direct sun and wind for a day or so, then plant in their permanent location. Work compost or slow-release fertilizer (as recommended on the label) into the soil to provide nutrients to the plants for the growing season. Excess fertilizer and water will result in leafy, tall plants with fewer blooms. The mature plant height is greatly affected by how far apart the plants are spaced. The closer they are planted, the taller the plants grow. Check the label provided with the plant for the variety, height, and color. After transplanting, water the plants thoroughly and continue to water them as needed while they become established.

Impatiens may also be grown in containers and placed where there is less space. Use a sterile, soilless, growing media (rather than garden soil) for good drainage. Impatiens grown in containers need more frequent watering and possibly more fertilizing than those grown in the garden.

Impatiens has quite a variety of flower colors: fifteen different solid colors, five colors with white star patterns, and three picotee bicolor designs. In fact, impatiens has become the most popular bedding plant by millions over the second most popular bedding plant, the petunia.

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