Marianne's Response

Impatiens

Two years in a row my impatiens will not grow. They were appropriately spaced when I planted them in my window boxes. I lined the plastic box with large garbage bags as I didn’t have anything for ample drainage. I water them when they appear to need water (soil dry inch down) and fertilize every two weeks. They have lots of buds on them. Any ideas? I am sending a photo.

Posted by Karen Franke on June 18, 2021

Marianne's Response

From the photo you sent it looks like your impatiens are just waiting for more time and warm weather to bloom. I see buds so I predict lots of flowers in your future. I do suggest you fertilize with Osmocote Plus by mixing the fertilizer granules into the soil if you have not done so already. I am not sure why you used plastic to line the wooden window box as this may interfere with free drainage and the impatiens need a container that drains after watering. Perhaps you could use a knife to slit the bottom of the plastic and make sure the box drains. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti