The Best Time to Plant Impatiens

About Impatiens

• One of the most popular bedding annuals for shade, impatiens come in almost every color except yellow and true blue. Regular impatiens (I. wallerana) form soft mounds covered with self-cleaning flowers from late spring until frost. Most cultivars have single flowers, but doubles are available. These bedding impatiens grow best in moist soil in partial or filtered shade and will scorch if exposed to hot, direct sunlight. New Guinea impatiens (I. hawkeri) are larger, more upright plants with variegated leaves and large flowers in shades of lavender and pink. While more sun-tolerant than bedding impatiens, New Guineas still perform best with afternoon shade. They're also more sensitive to frost than regular impatiens.

Starting Impatiens From Seed

• Most gardeners get their impatiens as started plants in late spring, but these annuals are not difficult to grow from seed. Start regular impatiens seeds indoors six to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Start New Guinea impatiens 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date. Your local garden center or extension service can tell you that date if you're unsure. Before transplanting them into the garden, harden off your seedlings for a week by setting them outside in a sheltered location during the day and bringing them back inside at night. Impatiens seeded directly outdoors after frost won't bloom until late summer or early fall.

Transplanting Impatiens Outdoors

• Wait until night temperatures are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit or after the last expected frost date in your area, whichever is later, to transplant regular impatiens. Set out the more cold-sensitive New Guinea impatiens two weeks after that.

Late Frosts

• Don't panic if a late frost is forecasted after you've planted out your impatiens. Cover ground-planted impatiens with a sheet or tarp for overnight protection; remove the cover first thing in the morning. Move potted impatiens to a sheltered spot close to the house.