When you’re a plant lover, you know that gardening is much more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with nature and create your own little piece of paradise. The hours spent in the garden can be a companion therapy, an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When the outside world is throwing problems your way, the garden is a place of peace and tranquility.
Loss of plant life can leave empty spots in your flowerbeds, but the possibilities for new growth seem infinite. The wide variety of plants available to moisten the soil is endless. You can plant anything from potatoes to salmon to seeds, all with their own specific requirements and care plans.
One common type of plant that many gardeners love to grow is impatiens. These vibrant blooms bring a touch of color to any shady spot in the garden. They’re great for adding a pop of color to planters, flowerbeds, or even hanging baskets. Impatiens are frequently grown in Texas and other areas with hot, humid summers, as they can withstand the intense afternoon sunlight and thrive in part shade.
If you’re starting a garden in the winter, you might want to consider growing Java paradise violet. This plant has stunning lavender-pink flowers that bloom within weeks of sowing the seeds. It’s a great companion for dianthus or rose and can easily be propagated from cuttings. Just make sure to provide it with the right temperature and humidity requirements for optimal growth. If you haven’t tried growing Java paradise violet before, now is the perfect time to add it to your garden.
How to Plant and Grow New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens are beautiful plants that can add an infinity of color to your garden. They grow quickly and are easy to care for, making them a popular choice for many gardeners. If you want to enjoy the vibrant colors of these flowers in your garden, follow these simple steps to plant and grow New Guinea Impatiens:
1. Start by sprinkling the seeds on top of a seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds when the lavender-colored flower on the plant becomes a lilac shade. This is usually about 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. To give the seeds a thorough moistening, place the seed-starting containers in a plastic bag and soak them in water for about 12 hours. Then, drain the excess water.
3. Provide plenty of light for the seeds. New Guinea Impatiens are not grown in full sunlight, so place the containers in a bright location where they can receive at least 12 hours of light each day. If you are growing them indoors, you can use fluorescent lights to provide the necessary light.
4. New Guinea Impatiens should be grown in containers with organic fertilizer. In fact, mixing some organic fertilizer into the soil before planting can help promote healthier foliage and more abundant blooms.
5. When starting the seeds indoors, make sure the temperatures are warm. New Guinea Impatiens prefer temperatures between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20-24 degrees Celsius).
6. Cover the seeds lightly with soil or seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
7. After about two weeks, the seeds should start to sprout. At this point, you can remove the plastic covering and place the containers in a sunny location.
8. As the plants grow, keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plants regularly, making sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
9. Once the New Guinea Impatiens have reached a height of about 6 inches, you can start feeding them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
10. New Guinea Impatiens are not as heat tolerant as their common Impatiens relatives, so they may have problems in hot states. To protect them from heat, plant them in a shady area or add a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.
In no time, your garden will be filled with the sweet fragrance and lush blooms of New Guinea Impatiens. With their bright colors and beautiful foliage, they will truly create a paradise in any garden. So don’t hesitate to give them a try!
New Guinea Impatiens Overview
The New Guinea Impatiens, also known as Impatiens hawkeri, is a popular choice among gardeners for its vibrant and colorful blossoms. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including white, orange, pink, blue, and salmon. They can quickly add a splash of color to any garden or container.
One of the advantages of New Guinea Impatiens is that they can tolerate more sun than their traditional counterparts, the common Impatiens. While they do well in shady areas, they are also able to thrive in areas with more sunlight. They prefer a location with light morning or late afternoon sun, as the midday sun can be too intense for them.
The New Guinea Impatiens are known for their early and continuous blooming. They start blooming in the early spring and continue to produce flowers all the way until the first frost. To ensure continuous blooming, it is important to deadhead the spent blossoms. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
New Guinea Impatiens are relatively easy to care for. They require well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist. It is important not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. Watering them frequently is recommended, especially during the hot summer months. Organic fertilizer can be sprinkled lightly around the base of the plants every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth.
One of the common problems for New Guinea Impatiens is leaf blight, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To prevent leaf blight, it is recommended to water the plants in the daytime, so the leaves have a chance to dry before evening. Providing adequate air circulation by spacing the plants appropriately can also help prevent this issue.
New Guinea Impatiens are a great choice for both garden beds and containers. They work well as borders or as focal points in flower beds. When planted in containers, they can be combined with other plants, such as white or lilac-colored Dianthus or vibrant blue Texas Bluebonnets, for a stunning display.
If you’re looking for a favorite flowering plant that will bring color and beauty to your garden, the New Guinea Impatiens should definitely be on your list. Their wide range of colors, early blooming, and easy care make them a popular choice among gardeners. Start growing your own New Guinea Impatiens from seeds or buy established plants, and enjoy the paradise of colorful blossoms they provide.
Where to Plant New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens, or Impatiens hawkeri, are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their outdoor spaces. These vibrant flowers are known for their bright and bold blossoms, which come in a wide range of colors including blush pink, salmon, lavender-pink, lavender, orange, purple, cherry red, white, and even raspberry. The foliage of New Guinea Impatiens is equally stunning, with leaves that vary in shades of green and feature a distinctive “stripe” or “painted” pattern.
When choosing a location to plant New Guinea Impatiens, it is important to consider the specific needs and preferences of these plants. New Guinea Impatiens thrive best in areas that receive partial sunlight or filtered shade. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much sun exposure can cause the leaves to burn and the flowers to fade.
These plants are also sensitive to temperature fluctuations, particularly cold temperatures. They are considered tender perennials and are not frost-tolerant, so they should be planted after the threat of frost has passed in your region. In areas with colder winters, it is recommended to treat New Guinea Impatiens as annuals or to bring them indoors during the winter months.
New Guinea Impatiens prefer a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, you should prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic amendments to improve its fertility and drainage. They also prefer a soil that is moist but not waterlogged, so make sure the soil is neither too dry nor too wet.
These plants can be started from seeds or purchased as young plants from a nursery. If starting from seed, sow them in pots or containers filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, and then moisten the soil by misting it or soaking the bottom of the container in water.
New Guinea Impatiens have a relatively long germination period, typically taking around two to three weeks. During this time, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings are large enough to handle, you can transplant them to larger containers or directly into the garden.
To keep New Guinea Impatiens healthy and blooming, regular fertilization is recommended. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season to provide the plants with the nutrients they need. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates.
New Guinea Impatiens have few pest problems, although they can sometimes be attacked by aphids or other common garden pests. If you notice any pests on your plants, you can try washing them off with a gentle spray of water or using an organic pest control method.
In conclusion, New Guinea Impatiens are beautiful and versatile plants that can add a vibrant touch to any garden. Whether you plant them in hanging baskets, containers, or in the ground, they are sure to attract attention with their striking colors and attractive foliage. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of New Guinea Impatiens throughout the growing season.
| Common Colors of New Guinea Impatiens | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blush pink | Salmon | Purple |
| Lavender-pink | Cherry red | White |
| Orange | Raspberry |
