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Impatiens, New Guinea hybrids - Busy Lizzie

The Plant: The popular summer-flowering outdoor plant, Impatiens walleriana, has some bolder more vibrant cousins, the New Guinea hybrids.

These are larger, fleshier plants with sturdy stems and bronze-green foliage. The flowers are larger than the Impatiens walleriana, and of a more intense colour, deep red or scarlet, shocking pink, jazzy orange, or white.

Its needs: New Guinea Busy Lizzie hybrids require strong light but avoid direct sun over summer. Plants will survive in semi-shade but will quickly become straggly with poorer flowering.

A rich potting mix should be used, with regular watering over summer, but minimal watering during winter. Warmth and humidity essential for growth. Mist spray foliage, but not flowers, in hot dry weather.



New Guinea Busy Lizzie

New Guinea Busy Lizzie - cerise flowersCare: Use a season-long feed in spring to promote good flowering, water regularly to maintain turgid appearance. Pinch back early new growth to make a bushier plant. If an Impatiens has become too straggly cut back to approximately 5cm from base. New growth should appear a couple of weeks later. It is easy to grow the New Guinea hybrids from cuttings. Watch for Botrytis, (grey mould), aphids, and red spider mite.

Good for: The Impatiens, whether the smaller outdoor variety, which can be grown in a cool conservatory or porch, or the larger New Guinea hybrids, all make ideal gifts. The vibrancy of the flowers against the intense lush foliage of the New Guinea hybrids make these plants quite spectacular. Easy to maintain and uplifting.

Comprehensive Guide to Planting and Growing New Guinea Busy Lizzie from Seed

New Guinea Busy Lizzies (Impatiens hawkeri), known for their vibrant colors and lush foliage, are a joy to grow. Here's how to successfully plant and grow them from seed:

Necessary Items
  • New Guinea Busy Lizzie seeds
  • Seed-starting mix or well-draining potting soil
  • Peat pots or seed trays
  • Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
  • General-purpose, slow-release fertilizer
Planting the Seeds
  1. Fill your peat pots or seed trays with the seed-starting mix.
  2. Sow the seeds on the soil surface as they need light to germinate. Do not cover them with soil.
  3. Water the soil gently to moisten it without disturbing the seeds.
  4. Place the pots or trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
  5. Keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged.



Ideal Growing Conditions
  • Temperature: New Guinea Busy Lizzies prefer warm temperatures and will germinate best at around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
  • Light: They need bright, indirect light. If you don't have enough natural light, use fluorescent grow lights.
  • Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Potential Challenges
  • Damping off: This fungal disease can cause seedlings to suddenly wilt and die. Prevent it by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good air circulation.
  • Aphids: These tiny pests can be washed off with a strong spray of water or controlled with insecticidal soap.



Long-Term Care
  • Fertilization: Once the seedlings have several sets of true leaves, begin feeding every two weeks with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
  • Transplanting: When the risk of frost has passed and the seedlings are sturdy, they can be transplanted outdoors. Choose a spot with partial shade to bright, indirect light.
  • Pruning: Regularly pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushy growth.
  • Winter care: In colder regions, bring your plants indoors before the first frost and keep them in a bright, cool location.

With the right care, your New Guinea Busy Lizzies can provide a splash of color in your garden or home for many months!




 

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