Propagating Impatiens for Next Year: Cuttings Beat Seeds

Hybrid Seeds Won't Come True—Clone Your Favorites Instead

Modern impatiens are hybrids; saved seeds produce inferior, variable plants. Instead, take 4–6 inch tip cuttings from your best-colored plants.

Easy Water-Rooting Method

1. Pinch off tips, remove lower leaves.
2. Place in glasses of water in indirect light.
3. Change water frequently.
4. In 4–6 weeks, roots form.
5. Pot up rooted cuttings and grow in an east-facing window.
6. Pinch back if they get leggy; re-root the tips.
7. Transition outdoors after last frost.

This gives you exact replicas of your favorite colors and a head start on spring.