Impatiens are colourful flowers that are present in different shades and hues. These flowers are native mostly to tropical Africa and Asia. The name “Impatiens” comes from Latin for “impatient,” kind of describing how the seed pods can explosively burst when they're ripe. 

They usually have thick-ish, fleshy stems, soft leaves, and flowers with five petals, and yes, the colors really span a wide range. In warm climates, many types act like true perennial blooms; they return year after year. In temperate regions, though, Impatiens is commonly treated as an annual because it can’t tolerate frost. Growing an Impatiens flower is not as difficult as you think, as this guide will provide you with basic details through which you can grow this flower in your backyard or on a terrace.

Do Impatiens Require Sun?

Impatiens tend to do best in partial shade to full shade, so they fit nicely in spots where other plants might fail. Traditional forms, like walleriana, usually like filtered light only, and they can scorch in full sun. Still, plenty of newer hybrids are more sun-tolerant than before, so some of them handle brighter conditions better.

Growing Impatiens from a seed or cutting 

One of the best things about the flower is that it can grow from both seeds and cuttings. 

• Starting From Seed

If you want to grow Impatiens from seed, start them indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost day. Grab a seed-starting mix, then gently press the seeds onto the soil surface. They really need light to germinate, so don’t bury them deep. Keep the soil consistently moist, and aim for around 20-24°C (70-75°F). Germination often happens in roughly 7-21 days.

Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can move them into individual containers. After hardening off a bit, they’re ready to be planted outdoors.

• Propagating From Cuttings

For cuttings, take stem pieces from a healthy plant, and they typically root fast either in water or in moist soil. Cut just below a leaf node, then remove the lower leaves so the cutting stays clean and focused. Put them in indirect light, keep them warm, and wait until roots show up. This approach is great for keeping rare or special varieties, or for overwintering Impatiens indoors.

Soil and Spacing

Impatiens love rich soil that drains well, especially if there’s plenty of organic matter. They do best with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. For garden beds, space plants about 20-30 cm apart; this helps airflow and can lower the chances of disease getting going.

Source: Abodelook