Media

• Use media with good aeration, drainage and water-holding capacity, and a pH of 5.8 to 6.2.
• Avoid media to which minor nutrients have been added. New Guinea impatiens are very sensitive to minor element toxicity.

Temperature

Nights: 65° to 68°F (18° to 20°C)

Days: 68° to 75°F (20° to 24°C)

New Guinea impatiens are very sensitive to DIF -- avoid high day and low night temperatures.

Light

• Plants grow best in moderate light conditions with 3,000 to 4,000 f.c. (30,000 to 40,000 lux).
• As the light intensity increases, flowering increases.
• HID lighting for 18 hrs. per day can reduce crop time.
• Flowering in New Guinea impatiens is daylength neutral.

Watering

• Maintain alkalinity below 140 ppm and EC below 0.5 mmhos.
• Allow plants to dry between waterings.
• Avoid excessive water stress as this will cause leaf edge damage.

Humidity

Maintain 40 to 60% relative humidity with good air movement.

Fertilizer

• New Guinea impatiens have a low fertilizer requirement.
• Use a balanced fertilizer like 20-10-20 alternating with 15-0-15 beginning after plants have rooted out. Do not add micronutrients.
• New Guinea impatiens are very sensitive to high salts. Leach with clear water every third watering.
• Excessive ammonia application will cause large leaves and poor flowering.

Pinching

• Plants do not require a pinch if grown in a 4 to 5-in. (10 to 13-cm) container.
• Pinch plants in larger containers once, when rooted to the edge of the container.
• Pinch above the fifth or sixth set of leaves, about 1 to 1 1/2 in. (2.5 to 4 cm) above the soil.

Controlling Growth

• Spray Sumagic at 5 to 10 ppm or Bonzi at 25 to 30 ppm if needed, after plants have rooted to the side of the pot. Reapply as needed.
• As the light intensity increases, reduce the rate.
• Late sprays of Bonzi may delay flowering.

Insects: Thrips, spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats.

Diseases: Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), Botrytis (gray mold), stem canker, Pythium, Rhizoctonia.

Problems	Causes
Plant collapse	Botrytis (stem canker) Plants grown in saturated media for extended periods of time (Pythium)
Excessive vegetative growth, lack of flowers	Excessive nitrogen balance in fertilizer Over-fertilization under low light Excess or late Florel application Low light and over-watering; wet media
Foliage necrosis	Drying out between waterings Excess minor nutrient levels in media
Poor branching, thin plants	Low fertilization in early stages of crop

Handy Tips For Retailers

• Display 'Celebration' and 'CELEBRETTE' New Guinea impatiens in shaded areas.
• Keep New Guinea impatiens well-watered. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overhead watering.
• In the display, space New Guinea impatiens so the leaves are just touching between plants to allow for air circulation and light penetration.
• Feed the plants weekly with a liquid fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label.
• Remember to tell home gardeners that New Guinea impatiens are a perfect choice for landscapes, baskets and containers.

Home Gardener "Green Thumb" Tips

Looking for terrific choices for hanging baskets and patio planters in full sun to partial shade? Be sure to try 'CELEBRETTE' New Guinea impatiens. Companion series 'Celebration' does all that and puts on great performances in landscapes, too -- place 'Celebration' plants about 10 in. (25 cm) apart in garden beds for the most impact. Care is easy for both 'Celebration' and 'CELEBRETTE' New Guineas: Locations with morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Water plants thoroughly, keeping the soil moist at all times. Apply a well-balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. 'Celebration' varieties have a garden height of 10 to 12 in. (25 to 30 cm), while 'CELEBRETTE' grows to 8 to 10 in. (20 to 25 cm).

New Guinea Impatiens Crop Schedule And Uses

Pots (Crop schedule in weeks) Form	4 in. (10 cm) 1 PP* 6x8-in. (15x20-cm) final spacing No pinch	6 in. (15 cm) 1 PP* 10x10-in. (25x25-cm) final spacing No pinch
Rooted cutting Spring production (North)	8-10	10-12
Rooted cutting Spring production (South)	6-8	7-9
Rooted cutting Summer production (North)	6-8	7-9
Rooted cutting Summer production (South)	5-6	6-7

Hanging basket (Crop schedule in weeks) Form	8 in. (20 cm) 3 PP* 14x14-in. (35x35-cm) final spacing No pinch	10 in. (25 cm) 4-5 PP* 18x18-in. (46x46-cm) final spacing No pinch
Rooted cutting Spring production (North)	12-14	12-14
Rooted cutting Spring production (South)	10-12	10-12
Rooted cutting Summer production (North)	10-12	10-12
Rooted cutting Summer production (South)	7-9	8-10

*PP: Plants per pot or basket

NOTE: Crop times listed are from a liner; add 3 weeks for unrooted cuttings. Crop times may vary depending on the climate, location, time of year and greenhouse environmental conditions.We recommend using only rooted cuttings for baskets or larger containers to ensure uniform growth.

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