Germinating New Guinea Impatiens: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a gardener or plant enthusiast, you've probably heard of the New Guinea impatiens. They're known for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms that can brighten up any garden. But have you ever tried germinating New Guinea impatiens from seeds? In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about germinating and growing these beautiful flowers.

What are New Guinea Impatiens?

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are a type of flowering plant native to Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. They belong to the Balsaminaceae family and are closely related to the more common garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana). One of the main differences between the two is that New Guinea impatiens have larger, showier flowers that come in a wider variety of colors, including orange, pink, red, and white.

Why Germinate New Guinea Impatiens from Seeds?

You might be wondering why you should bother germinating New Guinea impatiens from seeds when you can simply buy established plants at a nursery or garden center. There are actually several good reasons:

• Cost: Buying seed packets is generally much cheaper than purchasing established plants.
• Variety: Seed catalogs offer a wider range of colors and varieties than most garden centers.
• Cycle: Growing from seed allows you to control the entire growth cycle of your plants, from start to finish. You can also save seeds from your own plants to replant next year.

When to Start Germinating New Guinea Impatiens Seeds

The best time to start germinating New Guinea impatiens seeds depends on where you live and when you want your plants to bloom. In general, you should start your seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. This will give them enough time to grow into healthy seedlings before transplanting them outside after the danger of frost has passed.

How to Germinate New Guinea Impatiens Seeds

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to germinate New Guinea impatiens seeds:

1. Fill a seed tray with moist seed-starting mix.
2. Press one or two seeds per cell into the surface of the soil, making sure they're not buried too deeply.
3. Mist the soil with water to keep it moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the seeds to rot.
4. Cover the tray with a plastic dome or wrap to create a humid environment.
5. Place the tray in a warm spot (around 70-75°F) with bright, indirect light.
6. Check the tray daily and mist the soil as needed to keep it moist.
7. After about 7-10 days, the seeds should start to germinate.
8. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into larger containers or individual pots.

How to Care for New Guinea Impatiens Seedlings

Once your New Guinea impatiens seedlings have been transplanted into larger containers, there are a few things you can do to ensure they stay healthy:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Light: Place the containers in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
• Fertilizing: Feed the seedlings with a balanced fertilizer every other week until they're ready to be planted outside.
• Temperature: Maintaining a temperature around 65-75°F will help the seedlings grow strong and healthy.

Transplanting New Guinea Impatiens Seedlings Outside

Once the danger of frost has passed and your seedlings have grown large enough, it's time to transplant them outside. Here's how:

1. Choose a spot in your garden that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer.
3. Make a hole in the soil that's slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling.
4. Carefully remove the seedling from its container and place it in the hole.
5. Gently fill in the soil around the seedling, being careful not to damage the stem.
6. Water the newly transplanted seedling thoroughly.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best care, sometimes problems can arise when germinating or growing New Guinea impatiens. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Fungus gnats: These tiny insects feed on the roots of young seedlings and can cause stunted growth or even death. To prevent them, make sure the soil isn't too wet and use sticky traps to catch any adult gnats.
• Damping off: This fungal disease can kill seedlings quickly if left untreated. To prevent it, make sure the soil isn't too wet and provide good air circulation.
• Yellowing leaves: This can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Make sure you're watering your seedlings properly and fertilizing as needed.

A beautiful pink New Guinea Impatiens

Germinating New Guinea impatiens from seeds can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener. With the right care and attention, your seedlings will grow into beautiful, vibrant plants that will brighten up your garden all summer long.

New Guinea Impatiens, Flower Gardening, Seed Starting, Growing Flowers, Plant Care