Impatiens flowers will brighten any shady spot, and they will bloom from early summer to the first frost. Grow these versatile annuals in containers of all kinds or directly in the front of the border. They are a joy to grow and a joy in the landscape! Impatiens fall into 2 categories: New Guinea Impatiens (more sun tolerant) and standard Impatiens (sometimes called Busy Lizzy).

Sow Impatiens seeds indoors 8 - 10  weeks before the last frost is expected.

Standard Impatiens will thrive in full shade to partial shade. New Guinea Impatiens will tolerate part day of sun. It is best if the New Guinea plant can receive morning sun and afternoon shade. All Impatiens thrive in rich, moist soils that drain well.

• Start Impatiens seeds in trays filled with quality seed starter mix
• The seeds need light for germination so press them into the soil but do not cover
• Keep the flower seeds consistently moist
• Loosely cover the tray with plastic wrap to help hold in moisture and warmth
• Lift the plastic wrap each day to mist down the seeds
• Keep the tray in a warm area - temperatures of 70 - 75F are ideal
• Once sprouts are up, remove plastic wrap
• Keep the trays in a bright window or under grow lights (14 hours each day)
• Once the seedlings are several inches in height, harden them off for 7 - 10 days
• Transplant out into pots, containers, or directly in the garden
• Spacing the Impatiens plants closely will encourage more upright growth - or space them out more if wanting a ground cover

• Impatiens plants need about 2 inches of water each week - if grown in pots they may need more
• Apply a slow release fertilizer at the time of planting and again half way through the growing season
• Watch for pests and disease
• If the Impatiens stems get too leggy, pinch them back to keep a full, bushy look