Hi--Though I consider myself an "experienced" seed starter (I start up about 400 seedlings each Spring for home use/have a heating mat, grow light, etc), I can't seem to get good germination from impatiens seeds and usually resort to buying the plants. Any good hints? Thanks in advance.

Hi, Tiptoe
(Hey, do you do it through the tulips? Tiptoe, that is! Sorry...couldn't resist.)

For a number of years now, I usually starting anywhere from 25-30 flats a season myself. And to be quite honest, I only tried impatiens the first couple of seasons. Despite claims to the contrary, I've personally found them troublesome and finicky and not worth the time and effort that I'd rather devote to annuals and perennials I can't easily find in nurseries.

Having said all that...a few things to note about them:
-They need light to germinate. So don't cover and keep them exposed to a light source constantly, till they do.

-Germinating temp is pretty average 70˚-75˚. But after they've developed true leaves and/or been transplanted into cellpacks (I start in plug trays), they need to be grown on in cooler surroundings, say, 60˚-65˚.

-They're slow to germinate. 15-21 days.

-Never top water and keep them on the dry side. Impatiens, like begonias and coleus are notorious for turning to mush from too much watering early on.

-Oh, and don't overfertilize. Go real easy on the nitrogen.

Let me know if you're successful, might encourage me to give them another try.

gardenz

I'll be giving some New Guinea a try. I'll save a few for direct sow also.

Dirt

*Lightbulb going off in my head! DUH!

Dirt,

I completely forgot about New Guineas! Dang, if Tiptoe's post inspired me to give impatiens yet another try...why not do New Guineas? After all, common impatiens are relatively inexpensive at the nursery (and in an abundant supply). But, New Guineas can go for as much at $3.00 a pop in some garden centers near me!!:O And invariably, each season, I can't resist, and buy at least a few! That's nine bucks + tax right there. X-( For about that same $3.00, I can get a packet of 15 or so seeds. Even if I'm successful with only half of them, I'm still ahead of the game.

Thanks for switching on the bulb!

gardenz

Many thanks to all the responders. I'll let you know how I fare, and if this will be my last season trying impatiens ;-)