are impatiens from seed really that finicky?
Dave_zone_5
20 years ago
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kdjoergensen
20 years agoMrImpatiens
20 years agoRelated Discussions
Collecting seed from Impatiens ( Busy Lizzie)
Comments (2)Unless the seed is very very fine, I find this method works OK. I use fly-screen material (if you know what I mean - it is not wire but is some sort of pliable mesh these days). I cut a small piece, maybe a square or a circle and carefully enclose an un-ripe seed pod so that when it opens, the seeds will be caught inside. You need to do this carefully and use a light material so as not to weigh the seed down or break the flower-stem. You can double up the material if needed to make it a bit denser for smaller seeds. I find the easiest way of securing it firmly round so there are no gaps is with a small paper-stapler. If the combined weight is still a bit much, you may be able to support the pod's stem with a small stake as well. On trees or vines, I also mark the pod's location by sticking on a tag of fluro coloured duct tape, but really anything like that will work just as a reminder where it is - a bit of plastic bag, ribbon, wool. The advantage is, that the "wire" mesh is see-through so you can follow the progress of the pod and hopefully catch the seed if it ripens early. It is light and airy so the plant receives normal conditions and you do not risk the pod becoming wet or mouldy....See MorePlease help: Impatiens from seed are looking sick
Comments (6)Are they still in starter mix? If so, then add fertilizer! I use fish & seaweed myself. The plants will be able to absorb them almost immediately. Also, make sure you're not overwatering them. Yes, I know they need to stay moist, but I've always let them dry out a little bit before more watering. Also, make sure you are giving them plenty of light. Once the leaves emerge, I put mine on a sunny windowsill for at least half a day. Come transplant time, mine goes outside where they get sun from 1-6pm. Never a leaf burned, as they are use to the sunlight, unlike the ones you buy in a 6 pack, which are much weaker. Good luck, and have faith. I find that seed grown impatiens are pretty tough....See MoreAre you growing Impatiens from Seed?
Comments (4)Carol I also root them, like Katkin, when I find a really great color and the plant is in a place (like a park or yard) where it is okay to snag a cutting. I get alot of "spent" plants from snow birds that have seedlings in the soil in the pots, so sometimes I just don't know what color they are. And I don't like all the wild, bright colors mixed up together, even though I love them separate and enmass. So for me, I like to keep reds and oranges away from pinks and lilacs. But I can't comment on if they come true or not . . . I never paid that much attention to them the way I do with crossing my hibiscus colors. My faves are the deep, rich purples. The only time I've ever eliminated any was when I got nine-hundred red babies, so I potted 'em all up as soon as they bloomed (even with only two leaves!) and gave 'em to my Sunday School class kids to give to their Mom's for Mother's Day. Sorry 'bout the exaggeration! Susie...See MoreHow to get seed from Impatiens
Comments (2)Oh my gosh-how awesome of you to do this! This really helped me to recognize the pods. Thank you so much!...See MoreDave_zone_5
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