How to Manage the Size of Impatiens – with Water!
Proper watering is the key to successful impatiens. They do require water to perform at their peak. Once you’ve chosen your color scheme for your garden or containers, plant them in the soil. Impatiens will need at least two inches (5cm) of water a week in garden beds. When planted in containers or window boxes, you’ll need to water them daily. But be careful not to over-water these beauties. If impatiens roots become waterlogged, your plants will not thrive. You can test this by placing your finger about an inch down into the soil. If your finger comes up dry, it’s time to water. On the other hand, if it is wet and holds moisture, it can wait until the next watering.
It is important to never let plants dry out for too long between watering. When allowed to dry out, it damages the cell walls of plants and will result in weaker plants over time. Impatiens love to have consistent water. Just be aware that if the soil becomes overly damp or cannot drain away excess moisture, your impatiens won’t be happy. And don’t forget to fertilize them. Impatiens do best if fertilized regularly, around every two weeks. We like to use slow release fertilizer when planting, and then again halfway through Summer.
As for their size, you’ll want to plant impatiens closer together if you’re looking for taller plants. Beacon impatiens can grow anywhere between 14-18 inches (35-45cm) tall. So be sure to space them accordingly in your pots, planters and garden.
