New Guinea Impatiens: A Guide for Beginners
New Guinea impatiens are a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. They are easy to grow, come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
What are New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea impatiens are a type of flowering plant that is native to New Guinea. They are closely related to the common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), but they are larger and have more showy flowers. New Guinea impatiens are typically grown as annuals, but they can be grown as perennials in warmer climates.
How to Grow New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens are easy to grow from seed or cuttings. They can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days.
Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or cells. The plants should be grown in a well-drained potting mix and placed in a location that receives bright indirect light.
New Guinea impatiens can also be grown from cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cuttings will root in 2-3 weeks.
Planting New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens can be planted outdoors after the last frost. The plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart. They prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
New Guinea impatiens can be grown in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. However, they will bloom the best in partial shade.
Care for New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. The plants should also be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
New Guinea impatiens are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, and impatiens downy mildew. These problems can be prevented by keeping the plants healthy and free of weeds.
Uses for New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be grown in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They are also a popular choice for mass plantings.
New Guinea impatiens are a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add color and interest to any garden. With a little care, they will thrive for many seasons to come.
Additional Tips for Growing New Guinea Impatiens
- Pinch out the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
- New Guinea impatiens can be overwintered indoors in a cool, dark location.
- New Guinea impatiens are not poisonous to pets.
- New Guinea impatiens are a good companion plant for other shade-loving plants such as begonias, coleus, and ferns.
