Impatiens (Vanka Mokryi) is a heat-loving plant with abundant lush flowering, lasting from June to the end of September. It is not difficult to grow such a flower from seeds at home; it is unpretentious in care and undemanding to the composition of the soil. The main thing is proper seed preparation, control over growth, temperature and lighting.
Selecting a container for sowing seeds
Any box, container, pot, bowl, plastic cups for yogurt or sour cream are suitable for planting balsam. The depth of the container can be 5–7 cm.
When planting several seeds in one box, its width should be sufficient for the free growth of young shoots. When sowing in separate containers, size practically does not matter; the seedlings will have to be picked in any case. The optimal volume is no more than 200 ml.
The most successful container for planting seedlings is considered to be a wide food container made of thin plastic with a lid. In such a bowl, the seeds do not need to be covered with film. The lid creates the desired greenhouse effect.
At the stage of preparing the container, it is important to disinfect it by washing it with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. This will help destroy mold and mildew spores and protect the balsam from infection by parasites.
Soil preparation
Universal soil intended for growing garden seedlings is not suitable for balsam.The soil should be light and loose, moisture- and breathable, not oversaturated with humus, and neutral.
Ideal composition:
- turf land;
- peat;
- perlite;
- sand.
All components must be thoroughly mixed, sifted and disinfected by pouring boiling water on them or calcining them in the oven.
Proper seed preparation
It is difficult to achieve uniform germination and growth of balsam. Germination may take 1 to 2.5 weeks. Proper seed treatment before planting will help speed up this process and improve germination rates:
- A day before planting, the seed material must be pickled - disinfected in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate for 10-15 minutes.
- Soak in a growth stimulator or immunomodulator.
- Pour warm, settled water over the seeds for 18–20 hours. Dry before sowing.
Balsam seeds are large and can easily be placed in a planting container. It is important to remember that they cannot be buried; sowing must be superficial.
Humidity control
For germination, balsam needs constant humidity, but without stagnant water in the container. With insufficient watering, swollen seeds lose their viability, and sprouted shoots die.
The soil moisture in the greenhouse must be monitored regularly, preventing the top layer of soil from drying out. Until germination, you can water the balsam using a spray bottle. With the appearance of the first sprouts - only at the root along the edge of the container.
Growth control
For good growth, balsam seedlings need sunlight. The length of the daylight hours should be at least 14 hours. If there is a lack of natural light in the morning, evening and in cloudy weather, you need to organize lighting using lamps.
The correct growth of balsam is also influenced by the temperature in the room where the greenhouse is located. After the first shoots appear, the container with seedlings should be moved to a bright but cool windowsill. The optimal temperature is 16–18 degrees.
If the conditions are not met, the seedlings will stretch, the stems will become thin and weak. The plant will “fall” under the weight of its own leaves.
Features of picking
In order for the balsam bushes to be spreading and delight with lush flowering for a long time, they need to be plucked in time (transplanted into separate containers).
Features of caring for a young plant at this stage:
- Transplantation is needed as soon as the balsam has 2 developed true leaves.
- For the first 2–3 days, seedlings should be shaded and protected from drafts. This will help the plant more easily survive stress after transplantation.
- In order for the future balsam bush to be lush, the sprout must be pinched after 5 leaves have formed.
- 2 weeks after picking, the seedlings should be fed with any mineral fertilizer complex. During this period, the future flowering of balsam begins; the procedure will help strengthen the young plant.
In the first few weeks, balsam grows actively, elongates, and forms side shoots. In order for the plant to acquire a beautiful shape and not tilt, you need to pour soil into the container in a timely manner, avoiding exposing the roots.
Caring for an adult flower grown from seeds at home is simple. It is important for him to provide sufficient lighting, regular watering, fertilizing and loosening.
