Seed of the month - Impatiens Busy Lizzie
Yates Seed of the Month for August 2008 is the old time favourite, Impatiens Busy Lizzie.
Many growers have stopped producing potted impatiens in recent years because some plants have been badly infected by a relatively new fungal disease. As a result, home gardeners have developed renewed interest in growing them from seed.
In most places August’s a bit early to start impatiens outdoors, but it’s the ideal time to sow seeds into pots or trays that can be kept in a warm protected spot. Fill the pots with Yates Seed Raising Mix, water and drain, then sprinkle the seeds on top. These tiny seeds need light for germination so it’s important not to bury them. Press them ever so lightly into the mix and water using a mist sprayer. Cover the pots with plastic wrap and leave them in a shaded, not-too-cold position (indoors in frosty areas).
It’s important that the top of the mix remains moist through the germination period. The easiest way to water without dislodging the tiny seeds is to sit the base of the pot in a shallow container of water and wait until the moisture is seen glistening on the top of the mix. Then remove and drain. After the seedlings have started to appear, the plastic wrap can be taken off.
When the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots and eventually, once the soil’s nice and warm, plant them out into a shady part of the garden. Impatiens is one of the most reliable plants for producing months of colour in the shade.
Spraying the plants every so often with Yates low toxic Anti Rot will help protect them from root rot and other fungal problems.
