How to Plant Impatiens in a Container

Growing impatiens is simple.

Impatiens are the most popular bedding plant in the United States and also are ideal for containers. The flowers of impatiens are 1 to 2 inches in diameter and are present in a wide range of colors including red, white, orange or apricot. The flowers additionally can be single, semidouble or fully double blooms. In addition, impatiens plants can grow anywhere from a foot to 18 inches tall and feature glossy, medium-sized green leaves. These annual plants are relatively easy to grow and can add beauty to your yard or room.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile or soilless growing mixture
• Soil probe
• Bucket
• Soil sample box
• Lime
• Water
• Water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

1. Choose a container that is large enough to hold your impatiens starter plant. Make sure the container has holes on the bottom to allow excess water to drain from the plant.

2. Fill the planting container two-thirds full with a sterile or soilless growing mixture, which ensures better drainage for your impatiens. Your plants need moist yet well-drained soil to survive, and the ideal pH level -- or level of acidity and alkalinity of the soil -- is 6.0 to 6.5. Collect a sample of your growing medium and take it to your county extension office for testing to make sure your soil is adequate for growing impatiens. Add lime to the growing medium, according to the manufacturer's instructions, if the pH level is too low.

3. Plant the impatiens starter plant at the same level it was when in the nursery pot. Make sure the starter plant is healthy and free of disease and pests. If you are placing the impatiens container outdoors, choose an area that offers some shelter from the wind, and put the plant outside only after the last spring frost. If planting the impatiens indoors, put the pot in an area where it receives two to four hours of filtered sunlight during the day.

4. Water your impatiens when the surface of the soil is dry, keeping the plant moist but not drenched. Do not let the plant dry out because it will end up losing its leaves, but avoid overwatering the plant to prevent the development of fungal diseases. To test the soil's moisture level, stick your finger into the soil. If the soil is dry to the touch, it needs water. Plan to water the plant daily during extremely hot weather.

5. Apply fertilizer to your impatiens container plant every two weeks. Use a water-soluble fertilizer.

References

• The Old Farmer's Almanac: Impatiens
• Iowa State University: Growing Impatiens
• Clemson University; Impatiens; Karen Russ, et al.; 1999
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System; Impatiens; Dave Williams