Impatiens is a very popular blooming ground cover/bedding plant that produces an abundance of beautiful, colorful blooms in shady spots in your garden.
Unfortunately, in some instances, Impatiens may stop their beautiful blooms. This article reviews why these plants may stop blooming, and we provide tips on overcoming this problem.
Water Well
It’s possible to start Impatiens from seed, but most people simply buy seedlings from the nursery. These plants are a bit thirsty, so you must water them well while waiting for planting. When you bring your seedlings home, you must ensure that they are well watered.
Lack of water can be one reason why Impatiens do not bloom. Therefore, check the soil frequently and keep it moist once they are planted.
Remember to water regularly. Dry soil cause bud and bloom drop. When you water, you should thoroughly moisten the top 6 inches of soil. Provide mulch around your plants to hold moisture in.
Regular watering is necessary for regular bloom production. You should water once or twice weekly or any time that the soil’s surface feels quite dry.
Provide Partial Sun
Another cause of failure to bloom is too much sun. Remember that these are shade-loving plants, so they will not do well in bright, direct sunlight.
It’s best to choose a location where your plants get good morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Too much shade can also cause your Impatiens to stop blooming. As with all plants, they need the sun for photosynthesis and survival. Use common sense to ensure that your plants are exposed to just the right amount of healthful sunlight and protected from harsh sun that can harm.
Prepare High Quality, Well-Draining Soil
Be sure that the soil to put your Impatiens in is loose, airy, and well-draining. You want just enough organic matter in the soil to keep it slightly moist, yet at the same time, you want excess water to be able to run off easily.
Fertilize Regularly
Impatiens are heavy feeders, and they need plenty of fertilizer during the growing season. Lack of nitrogen will cause legginess and pale foliage. Lack of phosphorus will cause limited blooming.
The best fertilizer for Impatiens is a balanced fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron at even levels across the board. Look for an NPK rating of 10–10–10 or 13–13–13.
Establish a regular fertilizing schedule of once every 6 weeks to 2 months. Follow this schedule throughout the springtime and the summer.
NOTE: Impatiens respond well to water-soluble fertilizer applications.
Prevent Fungal Infection
Avoid overhead watering as this can promote fungal problems. Instead, water thoroughly at the base of the plants.
During very wet, humid weather, your Impatiens may have problems with powdery mildew. To avoid this, plant them the correct distance apart and remember to pinch back excess growth throughout the growing season to prevent overcrowding.
In the middle of the summer, you may notice that your Impatiens are getting leggy. When this happens, bloom production will also fall. So be sure to pinch back spent blooms and the tips of stems to encourage more bloom production and more foliage growth.
Take care not to prune excessively because too much pruning will spur your plants to grow leaves and not flowers.
Healthy Plants Produce Colorful Blooms
You can find Impatiens in a wide variety of colors ranging from light pink to lavender to deep red. Your Impatiens plants will bloom throughout the spring and summer months if well cared for.
