The plants are readily available in six packs in the spring. They can be grown from seeds, but they are not always readily available or easy to start. They should be planted where they get less than three hours of direct sun, preferably in the morning hours. Light shade with no direct sun is acceptable. Impatiens can bloom continously.

The plants originated in tropical Africa and can be grown outside only after all danger of frost is past. You can, however, take potted plants inside in the winter. New impatiens can also be produced by rooting cuttings taken from garden plants and brought inside for the winter.   The colors are white, pink, red, orange, and purple. The blooms are bright and flowers are abundant. Impatiens should be planted in the front or middle of the bed about a foot apart, and are often grown in hanging pots. The plant grows 8 to 18 inches depending on variety and prefer fertile well-drained soil. Give them a light feeding of liquid fertilizer or compost tea once a month to keep them flowering to the maximum.

  Keep the plants watered since wilted impatiens look awful, but they often recover if quickly watered. Pinch back the stems if they get too lanky to keep the plants bushier and encourage them to keep blooming. Unfortunately, soil that is kept too wet can lead to fungus and the rapid death of the plant. If there is sudden wilting while the soil feels wet, stop watering until the soil feels only barely moist to the touch, and remove the plants that are affected.

  New Guinea impatiens are a related plant with larger, darker leaves and more compact plant making them great for containers. They are usually a little more expensive but are grown the same.

 Impatiens are prone to attacks from slugs, aphids, and even deer.