Tom Thumb, Impatien Seeds

Tom Thumb Impatiens Seed

Extra-dwarf plants stay under twelve inches tall
Colorful balsam blooms brighten shaded border fronts
Compact growth also suits pots and smaller spaces
Established plants tolerate brief dry spells

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Impatiens balsamina

Days to maturity

90 Days

Sun

Partial

Packet

100 Seeds

About Tom Thumb, Impatiens Seed, Impatiens Seed

The Tom Thumb Impatien is a beautiful extra dwarf variety that makes a very attractive addition to any border or flower bed! This variety is a wonderful dwarf impatien that grows no higher than 12 inches. The Tom Thumb has a good tolerance for drought conditions and does great in containers.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Top of Soil

Days to Germination

7–21 days

Germination Type

D - Surface Sow

In-row plant spacing

8-12"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

18 inches

Growth Habits

Compact, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

2,813

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Impatiens grows best in a site with morning sun or bright partial shade, protection from harsh afternoon heat, and moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate compost and prepare a fine, weed-free bed without burying tree roots or creating soggy conditions. Confirm any seed chilling or light-germination requirement before sowing impatiens.

Planting

Start impatiens indoors 8–10 weeks before the last spring frost. Surface-sow or barely cover the seed, maintain about 70–75°F, and keep the medium evenly moist until germination. Give seedlings bright indirect light and good airflow. Thin to one plant per cell, harden gradually, and transplant only after frost danger has passed and nights are reliably mild.

Watering

Keep impatiens evenly moist, especially during active growth and flowering. Water deeply at soil level when the surface begins drying, while avoiding waterlogged soil and frequently wet foliage.

Fertilizer

Once impatiens is established, feed lightly with a balanced or bloom fertilizer only if growth weakens during flowering. High nitrogen favors leaves over flowers.

Harvesting

Cut impatiens flowers when blooms are well colored and at the opening stage best suited to display. Harvest during the cool morning with clean shears, leaving healthy foliage for continued flowering.

Tips

Pinch young impatiens plants to encourage branching when appropriate, then deadhead regularly to extend flowering. Succession plantings can maintain color after the earliest plants decline.

Pests & Diseases

Impatiens downy mildew can cause yellow leaves, white growth underneath, defoliation, and plant collapse. Remove affected plants and fallen leaves; do not compost them or replant susceptible impatiens in that bed immediately. Resistant New Guinea types differ from common impatiens. Botrytis and root rots also favor crowded, wet sites.

Aphids and thrips may cluster on impatiens buds, while mites, Japanese beetles, slugs, and caterpillars feed elsewhere. Remove badly damaged growth, collect visible pests, and choose pollinator-conscious controls only when monitoring shows a need.