Impatiens: The Flower that Offers Immediate Gratification

No experience required! Impatiens is the plant that satisfies amateur gardeners immediately and all summer long!

The line at the nursery begins forming the day after Mother's Day. That's the magic moment, when it's safe to plant most annual flowers. In truth, many garden centers begin selling flats of annual flowers early in the spring. However, a wise gardener will wait until the last danger of frost has passed. In the northern half of the United States, that's means Mother's Day.

These shady ladies are quite possibly the most popular flowers for amateur gardening. Anyone can grow them. They produce an extremely satisfying display of color, while requiring almost no horticultural effort or know-how.

A few simple instructions can virtually guarantee success.

Choose Wisely.

Also known as Busy Lizzy, impatiens may be started from seed or purchased economically in cell-packs or floral flats at a local nursery. Store-bought seedlings are usually about eight weeks old and beginning to establish healthy root systems.

These flowers are available in many colors: white, pink, red, lilac, rose, mauve, and salmon. Bi-colored varieties may also be found. Determine whether you wish to create a monochromatic or multi-hued display.

Be sure to read planting tags carefully. Impatiens come in variety of heights as well (6", 12", 24" and more).

For best results, choose healthy, bushy-looking plants. Avoid the temptation to snatch up the early bloomers. Seedlings with plenty of buds and healthy green leaves are your best bet.

Stay Out of the Sun.

Impatiens are irritated by direct sunlight. They simply must be planted in shady spots. A single day out in the sun can fry them. Leaving an unplanted flat on a sunny porch for one afternoon can do them in!

These colorful bedding flowers particularly appreciate a spot under a broad-leafed tree. (Avoid planting impatiens under evergreens, as they do not coexist well.)

Give Them Some Space.

Prepare the planting location by digging and softening the soil. Add some manure or compost or another organic matter. A rich potting soil is an excellent choice.

Plant your impatiens 12" to 18" apart, as these dainty but assertive flowers will tend to spread out and fill whatever space you allow for them. For hanging pots, you may wish to crowd the flowers more, so they will drape naturally. (If you plant them closer together, they will tend to grow taller instead of bushier.)

Gently pack additional soil around the plants, until they are nestled cozily in your garden, patio pot, or hanging basket.

During and after planting, impatiens should be handled as little as possible. In fact, a popular nickname for this plant is "Touch-Me-Not."

Soak Them Softly.

Regular watering is a requirement. Every single day that it does not rain, you will want to water your impatiens - gently and generously. (Using a soft-misting spray attachment on your garden hose is a wonderful way to do this.)

Over-watering may encourage root rot or fungus. Try to find the right balance.

About once a month, it's a good idea to use a liquid (water-mix) fertilizer, such as Miracle-Grow. For patio pots and hanging baskets, you may need to do this twice a month. This addition will encourage root growth, plant establishment, and blooming.

Dead-heading, or pinching off dead blossoms, will encourage additional blooming. While you are at it, pluck off dead or dying leaves. This will stimulate new growth.

Banish Intruders.

If you spot strange yellow spots on the leaves of your flowers, chances are some pests have moved in. Aphids, flies, mites, and thrips may infest your impatiens. Omit oil-based sprays. Instead, mix a teaspoon of lemon-flavored liquid dishwashing or hand soap in a spray bottle of water. Shake well, then shower your plants and their resident pests. Pinch off any strange-looking leaves.

A Chill Can Kill.

Impatiens suffer greatly in frost. To prolong the colorful display into the fall, you can cover the plants with a blanket or plastic sheet overnight, in case of an early frost.

Follow these simple steps, and you will be quite pleased with your colorful display, which will last all summer long, whether you plant your impatiens in a balcony window-box or a national landmark garden.