Growing Impatiens

Choosing Plants

• Impatiens are available as bedding plants in most nurseries and garden centers in early spring. Choose plants that have just enough blooms to ensure you're getting the color you want. It is always better to buy plants with buds rather than open flowers, so avoid purchasing tall, more colorful plants. Instead, choose smaller plants which will bloom shortly after planting.

Environment and Planting

• Plant impatiens outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in an area that receives partial or filtered shade. Too much sun can cause stems to be too long, few blooms and even wilting foliage. Also avoid planting in areas of constant shade; this can cause the plants to grow tall and thin with very few flowers. Dappled shade is always best for impatiens.

  Provide your impatiens with fertile, well-drained soil. Although they love water, they don't perform well if waterlogged. Harden off seedlings to acclimate them to their new environment. Place them outdoors in a shady area for a few hours each day and gradually expose them to more sunlight until they become accustomed to the planting site. This process should take no more than two weeks, and then the plants should be placed in the ground.

  To plant, dig a hole slightly wider and about the same depth as the container in which the plants were previously grown. Place the plant into the hole and cover the roots gently with soil. Pack the earth lightly around the base of the plant for the best results. Space impatiens at least 8 to 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.

Watering

• Water impatiens thoroughly immediately after planting, and then continue watering at least once per week during the growing season or anytime the soil is dry to the touch. Watch for signs of wilting, which is an indicator that the plants need a good soaking. Wilted impatiens will revive quickly after a thorough watering. Always water in the morning so the plants have ample time to dry before sundown. If the foliage remains wet for long periods of time, fungal diseases can become a problem.

Fertilizing

• Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting or use a water soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Refer to the instructions on the packaging for proper dosage. Impatiens have high water needs and this can cause the soil to lose nutrients. However, fertilizing at planting time or executing a regular fertilization regimen will keep them healthy and strong.

Pruning

• Pinch back impatiens that become too long by removing several inches of each stem that is too long with your fingers or pruning shears. This will encourage a bushy, compact growth habit and promote flowering. Remove half the growth of newly planted impatiens to encourage bushier plants and numerous blooms later in the growing season.