Impatiens

Bred for baskets and mixed containers, Tumbler impatiens are extraordinarily trailing and overflowing with garden appeal. Their vigorous, spreading habit means growers can expect faster fill with few plants.

Plants are transplant ready four to five weeks from sow in a 288 tray. Provide a light shade, and maintain temperature at 60 to 65° F nights and 70 to 75° F days. Media pH should be 6.2 to 6.5 and EC levels between 0.75 and 1.0. Alternate between wet and medium moisture levels. Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration, allowing better penetration of oxygen to the roots.

Fertilize 75- to 100-ppm nitrogen every two to three waterings with a calcium-based fertilizer (13-2-13 or 14-4-14). Minimal fertilizer will keep plants compact and promote flowering. Tall, lush, dark-green plants with flowers beneath the foliage, or late flowering indicates too much fertilizer.

Impatiens is responsive to B-Nine (daminozide), Bonzi (paclobutrazol) or Sumagic (uniconazol). However, careful monitoring of water, light and fertilizer applications can keep growth in check.