You can see how Impatiens got the name Busy Lizzie; they always seem to be busy flowering and have little time for anything else. A bonus for us gardeners! Bedding Impatiens provide a colourful carpet of flowers that resemble a woven tapestry and provide so many colours for the summer season. The bigger perennial varieties are ideal to fill gaps under shrubs, for tubs and indoors.
3 steps to planting impatiens
prepare
Impatiens are only suited to warm areas and quickly turn up their noses with the frosty winter chills. In cold areas plant out after the last frosts. The kind of Impatiens you grow will determine where you plant them in terms of sun or shade. Most will cope with a little sun, just not intense scorching midday heat. Check the labels on your plants to ensure you are planting them in the right place.
Frequent watering is the key to success and active growth. In containers, a good-quality mix is essential; in the garden add plenty of organic matter when planting. They need daily watering.
Some favourite varieties to look out for are Accent, Double Ups, New Guinea Impatients and Sweetheart Mix.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Impatiens with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Impatiens are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Deadhead to keep the plants clean, but this generally isn’t needed as tend to be fairly self-cleaning.
Impatiens adapt easily to containers, baskets, window boxes and garden beds..