84 saves
Impatiens
We track 23 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 22 most-saved Impatiens varieties
Browse all 23 Impatiens varieties →
4 species of Impatiens
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Impatiens in Sow
Save the Impatiens you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Impatiens
Whats common across all Impatiens varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 23 most-grown of them.
The Impatiens year
- PlantApril and May91% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- FertilizeMay–August87% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Pinch TipsApril–June65% of varieties
Pinch stem tips early in the season for a bushier habit
- Check for PestsMay–August39% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites, especially if conditions are dry
- DeadheadMay–September30% of varieties
Remove spent flowers before seed pods form to limit aggressive self-seeding
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide partial shade during hot afternoons
- Pinch back to encourage bushier growth
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
- Pinch back to promote bushiness
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
- Skip fertilizing during dormancy
What goes wrong with Impatiens
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Slugs and snails | Succulent stems severed at the base and large holes chewed through the leaves overnight | Clear damp cover nearby and use traps or barriers; the soft growth is especially attractive to them |
| Downy mildew | Yellowing leaves with fuzzy growth | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Reduce watering and improve soil drainage |
Making more Impatiens
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain high humidity for 6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination (7-14 days).
Impatiens questions
How many types of Impatiens are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 23 distinct Impatiens varieties. The most popular — ranked by 84 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Impatiens grow in?
Across its varieties, Impatiens covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Impatiens bloom?
Most Impatiens varieties bloom in late spring to fall, mid-summer, spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Impatiens should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.