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Problems growning impatiens from seed...

15 years ago

This is my second year to grow plants from seeds under flourescent lights in my basement. All of my plants are healthy and lush, except for the impatiens. They are tiny, barely growing, and look sickly. I had the same thing happen last year.

I've already started hardening off the plants (been getting lots of sunlight lately), but the impatiens are just not growing like the rest of the plants. I'm wondering, since they are mainly shade plants, if I should not have them in the direct sunlight all day? Could that be the problem? Or could it be the soil? I have them in Miracle Grow potting soil.

This is really frustrating because I grew a lot of them since we have a lot of shady areas in our yard. I would really appreciate any help/advice.

Thanks.

Comments (4)

mxk3 z5b_MI
15 years ago
Hmmm, well that's odd because you say the other seedlings are growing well.

The only thing I can think of is how far away are the fluoro. lights. I normally keep mine about 2-3 inches above the top of the plants and adjust the height of the lights as the plants grow taller (have a hook and chain set-up -- not fancy but hey it works).

You could try setting them out in the sun during the cooler weather (but harden off over a period of days - see my reply to Dave from Michigan's post) to see if that helps, but keep in mind impatiens prefer warm conditions so not sure if outside during this time of year is the best idea. Might be worth a try to see what happens, though.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
one to 2 inches from the lights.. as noted..

perhaps as the others got tall .. and these planted later ... the lights went up..

either drop the lights... or lift the impatiens ...

ken
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Haha Marcia, Well you should see my plant room...full full full. Still a bit to chilly to start up the greenhouse yet. Super Elfins from T&T 500 seeds. Jungle Gold T&T SE Pink Swirl T&T Double Carosel Mix t&t Fanciful Mix Stokes Fanciful Coral Stokes Tempo Butterfly Mix 500 Stokes 'Pink Cadillac' Impatiens Mix Veseys 'Evening Glow' Impatiens Mix Veseys Oilpainter, I like the super elfins the best, I find they are stronger plants to work with and they don't break off as easily, when planting up pots and blooming bags. The tempo series are kind of whimpy and snap off very easily. I still use them though as they are very pretty. I have found that each type has their own pluses and minuses. Personal preferences I guess. Sierra
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verdure1
15 years ago
Can you describe how they look a little better? I suspect if they came up unevenly and are not forming their first true leaves, you are a victim of purchasing old seed. I am a commercial grower and can tell you that bad seed never produces good plants. Check your source. A lot of mail order houses purchase "leftovers" from commercial vendors.
If you trust your seed source, then check your media. Miracle grow potting soil is loaded with a urea based fertilizer. Urea + wet+ low light+ T
tom8olvr
14 years ago
I've found I've had issues with double imps - germinating and growing... No trouble with others. What are you growing - new guineas, doubles, regular imps?

I also have found that keeping them in a humid environment is helpful - I keep mine covered under a dome much longer than any other plant (besides begonias).

thining it would be nice to have a picture?? :) I'm very visual.

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