Growing Accent Series Impatiens Garden Seeds
- Taxonomy: Impatiens walleriana
- Other Names: Buzzy Lizzy, Balsam, Sultana
- Seed Type: Annual
- Sow Indoors or Outdoors: For earliest blooming, start Accent Series impatiens seeds indoors 8 – 10 weeks before the final frost and transplant once there are two sets of true leaves. Accent Series seeds will germinate within 14 – 21 days with full lighting. If transplanting outside, harden off seedlings into a partially shaded spot in the garden, or an equally moderate place indoors.
- Days to Maturity: 70 – 77 days
- Hardiness Zone: 10 – 11
- Planting Depth: Plant 2 – 3 seeds ¼” deep
- Plant Spacing: 10”
- Growth Habit: 8 – 10” tall dwarfed mound with a 10” wide spread of classic 1 – 2” impatiens blooms
- Soil Preference: Hummus-rich, fertile, well-drained
- Light Preference: Partial shade - Full shade
- Diseases/Pests/Troubleshooting: Avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Accent Series impatiens seeds are susceptible to fungal diseases and downy mildew if not properly ventilated. Accent Series impatiens will thrive with shade and deadheading as they begin to decline in the long summer months. Impatiens have no serious pests but monitor regularly for slugs and snails.
- Color: Signature choice of Burgundy, Deep Pink, Deep Orange, Red, Red Star, Violet, Coral, White, Mix, and Peppermint Mix
For earliest blooming, start Accent Series impatiens seeds indoors 8 – 10 weeks before the final frost and transplant once there are two sets of true leaves. Accent Series seeds will germinate within 14 – 21 days with full lighting. If transplanting outside, harden off seedlings into a partially shaded spot in the garden, or an equally moderate place indoors. Plant 2 – 3 Accent Series impatiens seeds ¼” deep and 10” apart in hummus-rich, fertile, and well-drained soil in partial shade to full shade. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting foliage as Accent Series impatiens seeds are susceptible to fungal diseases and downy mildew if not properly ventilated. Accent Series impatiens will thrive with shade and deadheading as they begin to decline in the long summer months. Impatiens have no serious pests but monitor regularly for slugs and snails. Accent Series seeds mature in 70 – 77 days as 8 – 10” tall dwarfed mounds with a 10” wide spread of classic 1 – 2” impatiens blooms available in a variety of classic and original colors.
Impatiens walleriana is native to eastern Africa including Mozambique and Tanzania, but have since become internationally renowned, most notably in the United States. Impatiens is far and wide the absolute most popular flower sold, grown, and cultivated in the United States for many years due in large part to its ease of culture and steady, robust flowering from spring to frost. The genus Impatiens is translated from Latin meaning “impatient” in reference to its speedy and violent seed discharge from the ripe pods. The specific epithet walleriana pays homage to 19th century British missionary Horace Waller who was considered an African writer and ardent abolitionist to the continent’s slave trade.