Impatiens
One of the most popular bedding flowers, impatiens thrive in shady areas. They come in a wide range of colors and heights. They make beautiful borders and edging for walkways, are excellent for containers, and can be used as ground covers and houseplants.
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New: Candy Box New: Dwarf Mixed Colors |
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Impatiens walleriana |
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Intermediate then Easy |
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Intermediate |
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3-5 years if properly stored |
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Annual |
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15-28 days |
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75-78 F |
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No |
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Candy box: 12-16 inches Mix: 18-22 inches |
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Candy Box: 1 – 2 inches |
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Part shade but will tolerate full shade |
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Candy box: summer to fall Mix: 50-70 days |
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February |
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Yes |
Growing Tips
When to Start
Spring: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. (Mid-February – 1st week of March for Jefferson, GA)
Direct sow: Tricky. It’s really best to start indoors as they are quite finicky about moisture and soil temps. Plus they are slow growers making direct sowing less than ideal. But if you insist, wait until all danger of frost has passed AND soil temps have warmed to 75-78 F, and good luck, you’re going to need it!
Transplant: After all danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)
How to Grow
Start seeds indoors. Impatiens are slow growers and need an 8-10 week start before transplanting.
A heat mat will be important as the seeds need constant soil temperatures in the 75-78 F range. If the soil temperature doesn’t remain consistent, the seeds may rot. Surface sow by gently pressing the seeds into the seed starting mix as the seeds need light to germinate. Then place under grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Bottom water with warm water.
As these flowers are part shade plants, some care will be needed with grow lights. Create more space between the seedlings and the light than would generally be done with full sun plants. You’ll generally want around 4 inches (6 inches at the most) between the plants and the light. Keep an eye on the plants and adjust the height as needed to make the plants thrive. You will still want the lights to be on for 14 to 16 hours each day ONLY while they are seedlings. During the hardening-off process, you will acclimate them to the outdoor conditions where they will live (part shade).
Transplant after hardening off and space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Impatiens will wilt quickly if the soil gets dry. When temperatures get into the 80s F, they will require more water to help prevent the plants from getting stressed from heat-related issues.
They like shady areas and well-draining soil. While these plants will tolerate full shade, they need part shade to flower well. They prefer morning sun and in the afternoons they prefer protection from the sun and heat. Afternoon shade will help prevent wilting and scorching as well as other issues.
They can get downy mildew. Help prevent this with proper spacing to encourage good air circulation. Bottom watering will also help keep the leaves dry, which will, in turn, help prevent mildew. If you must top water, do so in the morning to give the leaves time to dry.
Flowers should bloom until frost.
Pruning
When they start to get leggy, the plants will benefit from pruning. Deadheading will also encourage them to keep blooming.
Seed Saving
Isolation Distance
Pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies. Hand-pollinate and then bag blooms to prevent cross-pollination.
Instructions
Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.
Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.
Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Or wait until the seed head bursts. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.
Features
- Attracts pollinators
- Good for shade
- Container friendly
- Candy Box: The flowers are a mix of cream orange, purples, and varying shades of pink. Blooms are 2 inches and last all summer.
- Dwarf Mix: Flowers are a mix of many different colors and are a good bedding plant.