You are here:

Annuals/New Guinea Impatiens

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/17/2008


Question
I have bought 160 plugs of N.  G. Impatiens, potted them up last week. Should I pinch out the centre to make them spread sideways?

Answer
Sorry I have taken so long to answer to your question, Richard. I have been out with the flu for a week and I'm just getting back today.

Pinch your Impatiens seedlings asap -- assuming the root systems are well established and you see evidence of side shoots.  They should be a month old at this point, large enough for 3 inch pots.  If you plan to market them, pinch no further; you'll temporarily delay bud development.

Annuals

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.