Impatiens are a genus of flowering plants commonly known as Busy Lizzies or Touch-me-nots. They are native to Africa, Asia, and Australia and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They are popular garden plants due to their bright colors and ease of care. They prefer moist, shady areas and are often used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and other containers. They require regular watering and occasional fertilizing to keep them looking their best.
Planning Your Garden With Impatiens
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Impatiens is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Impatiens are hardy in USDA Zones 10-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Impatiens have a good cold tolerance and can survive temperatures as low as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for impatiens is usually around 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown impatiens plant is 12-18 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Impatiens should be planted about 8-12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and space for the plants to spread out. |
| Sun tolerance | Impatiens are considered to be shade-loving plants and need protection from direct sunlight. They can tolerate some morning sun, but should be kept in the shade during the hottest part of the day. |
| Shade tolerance | Impatiens are shade tolerant and can thrive in partial shade to full shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and will benefit from an application of fertilizer once a month. |
| Water requirements | Impatiens prefer moist soil, but should not be over-watered. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil. They should be watered at least once a week, more often in hot, dry weather. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing impatiens depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing impatiens is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Impatiens are Popular
People like to grow impatiens because they are easy to care for, require minimal maintenance, and bloom abundantly in a wide range of colors. Impatiens are also shade-tolerant and can be planted in containers or in the ground. They are known for their bright and cheerful blooms, making them a popular choice for many gardeners.
Companion Plants For Impatiens
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for impatiens include:
Common Pests For Impatiens
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow impatiens, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leaf miners
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
