Impatiens or Sultana

They brighten spots you thought were too shady.

Names such as Vivacious, Blitz, Dwarf Baby, Novette, Twinkles, Imp, and Elfin, are used to describe the newer and better adapted varieties. Within each group are many brighter colors, larger flowers, and sturdier growth characteristics.

Over the past few years plant breeders have developed many new varieties and selections of annual flowers. These new introductions have enabled gardeners to be able to grow new plants with different growth habits and a wider range of colors.

Impatiens, in particular, have received a lot of attention because of their ease of culture and adaptability as container plants, hanging baskets, patio and porch plants and window box plantings.

For pot plants, baskets and boxes…

Sultana or impatiens require some shade, plenty of water, and a well drained soil containing plenty of organic matter or humus. For pot plants, baskets, and window boxes, mix one part of your garden soil, one part peat moss or finely ground pine bark, and one part sand. Add one tablespoon of lime and 1 teaspoon of 8-8-8, 10-10-10, or 12-4-8 per 6" - 8" pot of soil mix.

Preparing the bed

If preparing a bed for a mass planting use 3" or pine bark or peat moss plus 1" of coarse sand worked into the soil down to a depth of 10" - 12". Mix 1 - 2 Ibs of lime and 1 Ib of 8-8-8, 10-10-10, or 12-4-8 per 100 square feet of bed space. Mix all materials thoroughly and remove any roots, rocks, or other debris as you plow, spade or rototill the area.

Planting beds

When planting a bed, space the plants 12" to 18" apart for maximum color. Plants are usually purchased in trays or individual pots, peat or plastics. Remove plants from tray by cutting with a knife to avoid breading of roots any more than necessary. Try to leave a block of soil with each plant.

Planting peat pots

In planting peat pots tear or pinch out the bottom and break away the lip of the pots. Set the plants so that none of the peat pot is exposed to air. Firm the plants into the soil and thoroughly soak the bed.

It will be necessary to check the water daily. Impatiens have high water requirements. Thoroughly soak the bed each time you water. After the first two weeks watering may be reduced to three to four day intervals.

Sultana or impatiens can brighten that spot that you thought was too shady for any plant to grow.

For more information on impatiens, contact your local county Extension office.