How to Grow Impatiens
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Partial to Full Shade (2-4 hours)
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
Spacing
8" apart
Depth
0.125" deep
Height
8-18"
Germination
14-21 days
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Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Impatiens
See which plants help Impatiens thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Seed pods explode when touched — bag ripening pods with a rubber band before they burst.
Processing
Collect seeds from bags as pods burst. Tiny seeds — dry on paper towel for 1 week.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Most garden impatiens are F1 hybrids. New Guinea impatiens are almost always hybrid — look for old-fashioned OP varieties.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Impatiens. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Impatiens Planting Calendar by Zone
Impatiens Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Impatiens? +
Start Impatiens seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Impatiens take to grow? +
Impatiens typically blooms in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Impatiens indoors or direct sow? +
Impatiens should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Impatiens need? +
Impatiens requires partial to full shade (2-4 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Impatiens? +
Space Impatiens plants 8 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Impatiens need? +
Impatiens has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Impatiens? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Impatiens is rated moderate. Seed pods explode when touched — bag ripening pods with a rubber band before they burst. Collect seeds from bags as pods burst. Tiny seeds — dry on paper towel for 1 week.
How long do Impatiens seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Impatiens seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Impatiens seeds open-pollinated? +
Many commonly sold Impatiens varieties are F1 hybrids, meaning seeds saved from them will not grow true to the parent plant. For reliable seed saving, look specifically for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties.
About Impatiens
The #1 selling bedding plant in America. Thrives in shade where few flowers grow. Continuous bloom all season. Tender perennial grown as annual in most zones.
Expect your Impatiens to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.