Impatiens walleriana

Sowing and care tips

Impatiens walleriana seeds prefer to germinate in warmth. Start indoors before the last frost, then transplant once frost risk has passed and conditions are warm and settled; direct sow outdoors only when soil is reliably warm. Provide partial to light shade, avoiding hot, direct afternoon sun. Use a moist, well-drained, fertile mix; sow thinly on the surface and barely cover, keeping evenly moist without waterlogging. Maintain gentle warmth and good light for sturdy growth. Harden off carefully, then plant out with spacing that ensures good air flow, following packet guidance. Growth is compact to medium; pinch young tips to encourage branching. Water consistently through dry spells and feed lightly during active growth.

• Start indoors before last frost; transplant after frost risk; direct sow outdoors only once conditions are warm and settled.
• Grow in partial shade to light shade; avoid hot, direct afternoon sun.
• Use moist, well-drained, fertile soil; keep evenly moist; avoid waterlogging; feed lightly during active growth.
• Space to allow good air flow; follow packet guidance; pinch to keep plants compact (compact to medium habit).
• Suitable for containers and small spaces.
• Cultivated for ornamental display in shaded beds and borders.

How do I grow Impatiens walleriana from seed?

Sow Impatiens walleriana seeds on the surface of a fine, sterile seed-starting mix and press gently; they need light to germinate, so do not cover. Keep the medium evenly moist, not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light. Grow on in partial shade to light shade outdoors, avoiding hot, direct afternoon sun. Plant in moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Maintain steady moisture through the season and mulch to reduce drying. These shade-loving annuals can flower continuously in warm conditions with consistent water and light, balanced feeding once established.

When should I sow impatiens seeds after the last frost?

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the expected last frost, then transplant hardened-off seedlings only after all frost risk has passed and nights are reliably mild (around 10–12°C or warmer). If sowing outdoors after the last frost, wait until the soil is warm and settled and temperatures are consistently gentle, as cold snaps can check growth. Early indoor sowing shortens time to bloom; outdoor direct sowing is possible in warm conditions but is slower and less reliable in cool springs.

What are the germination requirements for impatiens seeds and the best indoor seed-starting tips?

Germination is quickest at 21–24°C with high humidity and light exposure. Surface-sow onto a pre-moistened, sterile mix, mist lightly, and cover with a clear lid to maintain humidity while allowing light. Vent daily for airflow and to prevent damping-off. Bottom heat helps maintain stable warmth. Expect sprouting in 7–21 days. Once most seeds have germinated, remove the cover, keep moisture even, and provide bright, indirect light to prevent legginess. Water from below when possible and avoid splashing stems. Prick out gently when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

What are the spacing recommendations and mature size for busy lizzie plants?

Busy lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) is generally compact to medium in size, maturing about 20–40 cm tall and wide depending on variety. Space plants 20–30 cm apart to allow good air flow and reduce the risk of fungal issues; follow packet guidance if growing a specific series. Compact types suit tighter spacing (15–20 cm), while more vigorous bedding varieties benefit from wider gaps (up to 30 cm). Maintain even moisture so plants fill in without stress, which also improves branching and coverage.

How should I care for impatiens in containers, window boxes and planters?

Use containers with ample drainage and a high-quality, moisture-retentive yet free-draining potting mix. Place in partial shade to light shade, out of hot, direct afternoon sun and drying winds. Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 cm of mix feels dry; in warm spells, containers may need frequent checks. Feed lightly with a balanced, diluted fertiliser during the growing season. Pinching once early can encourage bushiness, and spent blooms usually self-clean. For window boxes, avoid overcrowding so plants have air space and consistent moisture.

How do I transplant impatiens seedlings safely, and what are common mistakes when growing from seed?

Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days, then transplant on a mild, overcast day into pre-watered, moist, well-drained, fertile soil at the same depth they grew in trays. Handle by leaves, not stems, and water in gently. Common mistakes include covering light-dependent seeds, overwatering (leading to damping-off), letting the medium dry out, insufficient light causing leggy growth, skipping hardening off, planting into cold or waterlogged soil, overcrowding (poor airflow), placing plants in hot, direct afternoon sun, and heavy feeding of very young seedlings.

This site provides general cultivation guidance compiled from horticultural references and field experience. Conditions vary by microclimate, soil, drainage, and exposure; timing and techniques may need adjustment—for example, sow after the last frost, or in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible when soil is workable. Individual product pages include species-specific instructions on sowing depth, spacing, and timing tailored to each product’s characteristics.

Sowing and Care for Shade-Loving Blooms

Impatiens walleriana seeds are typically started indoors 8–10 weeks before outdoor conditions are suitable. Germination occurs with light exposure; seeds are left uncovered or with a fine vermiculite dusting, at 20–24°C, with evenly moist media. Seedlings usually emerge in 7–21 days. After last frost and once seedlings are acclimated, planting out into humus-rich, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in partial to deep shade supports steady growth. Spacing of 20–30 cm allows good airflow. Regular moisture without waterlogging reduces stress; light, periodic feeding can sustain flowering. Pinching young tips encourages branching, and most modern selections shed spent blooms, so deadheading is seldom required. In very mild conditions, autumn sowing under protection may be feasible; in frost-free settings, plants can behave as tender perennials but are widely grown as seasonal bedding. For cultivar descriptions, sowing windows, and cultural notes, see SeedsChoice.