Double Impatiens

Double Impatiens

Cameo, Doublet, & Tioga® (Impatiens walleriana)

Through these three different series of impatiens, there are many options for the grower. The Tiogas and Cameos are series of double impatiens that offer both compact and standard plant habits. They are all self branching and hold the flowers well above the foliage. Both series are well suited for production in 4”-6” pots and 1 gallon containers. The Doublets are a uniquely double flowering series with a vigorous habit. They are best grown in 6” and 1 gallon containers. Typical crop timing for all three series is 9-17 weeks including time in propagation.

Double Impatiens is available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Double Impatiens can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84, and 105’s.

Media

Choose a well-drained aerated propagation media

Avoid media containing peat moss which will hold too much water

Choose a blended media with other components or inorganic media such as Oasis® or Rockwool®

Bottom Heat

Bottom heat will promote healthy root development.
Maintain bottom heat at 70-75°F/21-24°C.
Mist will cool the media temperature. Monitor media temperature closely and frequently.

Rooting Hormones

Double Impatiens will benefit from the use of a rooting hormone. Time to root and uniformity in rooting will be improved with use of a hormone.
Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

Average days with mist vary from 6-9 days depending on environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
Mist cuttings so they remain turgid but avoid over misting that results in saturated media.
Over misting will result in slow rooting and possible problems with root rot and botrytis.

Pinching

Pinch cuttings in week two of propagation to prevent stretch and promote branching.

Growth Regulating

To prevent stretch apply B-Nine®at 2500 ppm
Sprays are most effective when applied after the pinch as new shoots are forming.

Propagation Cycle: 4 weeks

Growing ON……….

Media
Choose a media with the following traits:

Good aeration
Porosity between 5-15%
Sterile

Irrigation/Fertilization

Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development. Established plants should not be allowed to dry excessively which will result in leaf yellowing and leaf drop.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
Avoid fertilizers high in ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus. Do not exceed 10% phosphorus.
Apply 150 ppm constant liquid feed after transplant. For two weeks rotate fertilizer applications with clear water applications.
After two weeks rotate two fertilizer applications with one clear water application.
Reduce fertilization to 100 ppm when flower buds are visible to enhance flowering. Resume higher concentrations after flowering is complete.

Maintain pH between 5.5-6.3
Optimum EC is 1.5 to 2.0 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 55-75°F/13-24°C day and 50-65°F/10-18°C night temperatures.

Relative Humidity:
Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Provide:

4000 foot candles/43,100 lux minimum
6000 foot candles/64,600 lux maximum

* Shade may be required to avoid high temperatures but can encourage stretch and delay flowering.
*Plants grown outdoors in full sun stay compact and may yellow in response to high light.

Spacing
Establish plants pot tight than space to:

4” pots – 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq. ft.)
6” pots/1 gallon – 14” centers
8” pots – 18” centers

Pinching
1st Pinch- week 2 of propagation
2nd Pinch- Tiogas and Cameos are free branching and should not require and additional pinch. Overgrown plants may be trimmed. Mature plants typically bloom within 4-6 weeks after trimming depending on the severity of the cut.

Plant Growth Regulators
Cultural management offers the most effective methods of preventing stretch. Adequate spacing, controlled temperatures and DIF, soil moisture management and good light all promote compact, quality growth.

If needed Bonzi® as a spray at 2-5 ppm or as a drench at 0.5 ppm is effective at controlling stretch.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Fungus Gnats
Spider Mites
Thrips

Diseases

Bacterial Leaf Spot
Botrytis
Myrothecium
Root and stem rots
Viruses

For recommended chemical controls for disease and insects please consult The Flower Fields Federal Disease Control Chart (463K) and The Flower Fields Federal Insect & Mite Control Chart (541K) at www.ecke.com. Always consult the chemical’s label for rates, mixing instructions and restrictions.

CROP SCHEDULING

Container Size	# of cuttings per pot	Time to pinch (weeks) after transplanting	*Total crop time (weeks)**
4"	1	NR	6-8
5-6"	1	1	7-11
7-8"	2	1	8-12
10" Pots	3-4	Optional	10-14
Hanging Baskets	3-4	1	10-14

*crop time is reduced under warmer growing conditions

If you have questions about Double Impatiens in production please post your question on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com or call 760-753-1134 and choose option#3 for Technical Support.

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