Cj.samson / CC BY-SA 3.0
Impatiens
Overview
The go-to annual for colorful blooms in deep shade, impatiens produce masses of flowers from spring through frost with minimal care. Traditional impatiens (I. walleriana) were devastated by downy mildew in the 2010s, but New Guinea impatiens and the SunPatiens series offer disease resistance and sun tolerance. The common name 'touch-me-not' refers to the explosive seed pods that burst when touched.
How to Grow Impatiens
Plant it in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, at a slightly acidic pH of 6–7.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. Match it to the right spot, and the rest is mostly patience.
Companion Planting & Soil
Impatiens grows well alongside begonia, fern, coleus, and hosta.
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start indoors 10-12 weeks early; needs warmth and light to germinate |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost; shade to part shade; annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Continuous bloom in shade until frost; no deadheading needed |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after frost danger; premier shade bedding annual |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jun — Oct | Bloom until frost; choose downy mildew-resistant varieties (SunPatiens, New Guinea) |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant in spring; no deadheading needed; self-cleaning |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | May — Oct | Long bloom; shade essential — scorches in direct sun |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; needs shade; wilts quickly without water |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Apr — Oct | Bloom spring through fall in shade; heavy feeder |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant early; deep shade essential; high water needs |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Mar — Oct | Long bloom in deep shade; SunPatiens handle more sun |
Uses
Beyond the Garden
Impatiens earns its keep past the plate, too: premier shade annual for continuous color; mass planting for woodland garden beds; container and hanging basket filler.
