Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/29/2005

Question
Hello,
Just wondering how to make my impatiens get bigger. They are doing awesome but I heard they get bigger if pinched. I have them around a large rock in the front of my house. If pinching helps....how do I do that?
Thanks!
Jackie  

Answer
Jackie,
Pinching the top bud on plants makes them branch out and be fuller and thicker, but not bigger.  Impatiens do not usually need pinching.  If they are growing in part shade or full shade, and in good, loose soil, they will get large and full on their own.  If the soil is compact and dry, they will not do well, but no amount of pinching will help.

Have you fertilized?  If you either mix time-release fertilizer or water well and then give a liquid feed (miracle grow or Peters All Purpose Plant Food or similar) they should be starting to take off.  Keep in mind that Impatiens don't start to reach their full glory until the third week of July.

For best success with impatiens:  dig and loosen the soil in a wide area before planting - if your soil is sandy, clay or just hard, mix in compost or composted manure digging it in at least 12 inches down.  

When you plant impatiens work organic or time-release fertilizer into the soil.  OR water well and when the bed is well-hydrated, fertilze with liquid feed.

If impatiens are grown in full sun, water deeply every four days.  A deep soaking less often is better then a little every day or every other day.

If you suspect that your soil is too hard or compact, pop the plants out now and loosen the soil with a shovel or pitchfork - work in some compost or composted manure and re-plant the impatiens.  Water well.

I hope this helps!
C.L.