Impatiens Growing Guide

Impatiens walleriana

Impatiens

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Partial sun.

Frost tolerant

None. Impatiens cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

Impatiens grow better in shade than most other annuals. You can combine them with coleus with leaf colors that echo those from impatiens blossoms.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow impatiens seeds indoors in moist seed starting mix, and provide very bright light. Most gardeners buy impatiens seedlings, which are widely available as bedding plants. Allow 12 inches (30cm) between taller varieties of New Guinea impatiens.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Impatiens need a steady supply of water. Varieties are available in more than twenty different colors and bicolors.

Harvesting

Impatiens shed their old blossoms cleanly, so there is little need for removing old blossoms. However, pruning back tired plants in late summer can help stimulate new growth.

Troubleshooting

Spider mites can be a problem, especially with impatiens grown in containers. In recent years, impatiens downy mildew has become a serious problem in many parts of the US following periods of cool rain.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Impatiens