How to Grow Impatiens Flowers

Impatiens Flowers 2022

About Growing Impatiens Plants in Your Home Flower Garden

If you are looking for shade lovers, Impatiens plants are for you. The plants are native to Africa, Eurasia, and New Guinea. They do well in the shady parts of your yard, make excellent indoor houseplants, and are very showy in hanging baskets. Impatiens plants have glossy, attractive leaves which you will enjoy when the plants are not in bloom. Try growing Impatiens flowers almost anywhere where the sun doesn’t shine. So, they won’t disappoint you.

Growing Impatiens indoors is very popular. As houseplants, Impatiens are fun to grow. Whether you are growing Impatiens indoors or out, they are easy to grow. Plants are compact. and will brighten up your home in winter. You can take your pick of a wide variety of colors, and some bi-colored varieties.

Did you know? Impatiens are also called “Touch-Me-Not’s and Snapweed”. Why? Because water builds up in the seed walls and can burst when touched, spraying seeds all over.

Flowers Bloom: Early Summer to Fall.

Other Names: Busy Lizzy, Touch-Me-Nots, Snapweed. 

Plant height: 6″ – 10″

Here’s a little-known fact: Impatiens are actually tender perennial plants. However, almost everyone grows them as annuals. They are not hardy plants. And, because they are killed by a frost or freeze, people just assume they are annuals.

Impatiens Plant Propagation

Impatiens are grown from seed, requiring both light and heat to germinate. Sow Impatiens seeds into trays or peat pots, covering with 1/8″ of seed starter soil. Use a germination mat or place them on top of a warm appliance. They are best started indoors since plants have a long development period.

Also, cuttings can easily be rooted from established plants. Once your plant is established, you can make cuttings for baskets and containers for all of your friends!

Days to Germination: 10 – 20 days.

Impatiens Perennial Flowers, 2023

How to Grow Impatiens Flower Plants

Impatiens plants grow well in partial to full shade.

The plants prefer rich, moist (not wet) soil that drains well. Water them regularly. Do not let them dry out. For plants grown in hanging baskets and other containers, check the soil daily. Frequent watering is required. And, you may need to give them a drink every day in hot, dry weather.

Add a general-purpose fertilizer once a month. In containers, pots, and baskets, water every 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer in place of dry fertilizers.

The final spacing in the garden is 12-18 inches apart. The plant tolerates a little crowding.  

Impatiens are susceptible to frost. Bring them indoors before Jack Frost visits your garden.

Leaf drop can be an occasional problem if grown in too much shade. It may also occur when bringing the plants inside in the Fall.  To mitigate this problem, provide more indirect sunlight. 

Ideal Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5.

Also, see:

Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

Insects and Plant Disease

Impatiens plants experience occasional problems with aphids and mites. Use insecticidal soaps and repellents. If disease problems occur, treat early with fungicide.

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How to Grow Impatiens – by Garden Hobbies

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