How do I harvest seeds from my Impatien?

Question

I'd like to harvest the seeds from the Impatien I bought this spring, but I don't know where they grow on the plant or when to expect them to grow... or is there anything I should do to make them grow?
Thanks! :)

Answer 1

Impatiens will make seed when they're done blooming. The seed pod is located where the bloom was. When the seed pod is plump it'll burst on it's own & self sow. Or if you gently touch the seed pod & cover it with your hand, you can catch the seeds as the pod bursts open. If when you touch the pod it doesn't burst, then the seeds are not mature enough yet. The seeds that you have "caught" from the bursting pod can be dried on a paper towel & then planted in the spring.

Answer 2

Well, it's a little early for me to think about harvesting, but here goes, and I've never done this. The seeds come from the blossoms. Leave some of the spent blossoms on the plant and when they are ready, the seeds will almost pop off when you touch them. They are big seeds and you'll be able to see them if they fall to the ground. Pick them and dry them in a brown paper lunch bag and then store them in a Mason jar or baby food jar in the fridge until next spring. I had a neighbor who took a plant or two in the house for the winter and divided them and used them the next spring. I bet you could take cuttings and root them in water, too. Why don't you check out some of the gardening web sites. Good luck and keep digging in the dirt.

Answer 3

Pinch off some branches on the ones you have planted. You can then pop them into the ground and they'll grow. Impatiens are very easy to propagate. The pruning will also help the planted ones sprawl out.

Answer 4

the pinch and pot method is the best but if seeds are your desire they are in the little bulb after flower fades