Veseys

Gardeners’ Forum: “Impatiens”

• Impatiens

  Posted by Jennifer on Saturday, January 26, 2002 3:31 pm AST

  On a recent trip to Hawaii, I noticed that they were often using impatiens as a ground cover. I live in a climate zone of 2b, & I was wondering if it was absolutely necessary to start impatiens indoors, or if they could be sown directly into the garden if it wasn't necessary for them to become really big and bushy.

  • re: Impatiens

    Posted by John on Sunday, January 27, 2002 12:15 pm AST

    You can certainly try, however it is recomended to start them indoors. If you decide to try them outside keep in mind that the germination temp is 70-75(f) and it takes 18-22 days to germinate. Also these plants will bloom later than those started inside. Good Luck

  • re: Impatiens

    Posted by lois@veseys.com on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 11:19 am AST

    I would think that your seaon is too short. It takes 8-10 weeks for impatiens to bloom from seed and they s=do need very warm temperatures to germinate so you would to wait until summer to plant themout. You can always try. You never know!