Busy Lizzie, Impatiens

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28°F (-2°C)

Heat Tolerance: Start failing when the temperature exceeds 100°F (38°C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade to shade

Origin: Tropical Africa

Growth Habits: Tender perennial generally grown as tender annual, from 10 inches to 2 feet tall (25 to 60 cm) depending on the variety

Watering Needs: Need a moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Impatiens are good flowerbed plants for shady areas. Their stems are succulents, and the shape of the plants is attractive. The flowers come in many colors and measure up to 2 inches wide. They can be either single or double.

Culture:
Sow indoor at 70 to 80°F (21 to 26°C). The seeds should not be covered with soil but rather pressed lightly in the soil surface. The young seedlings should not be allowed to dry, so it might be a good idea to put the pot in a plastic bag. The seedlings grow slowly at first. Plant 10 week old seedlings 6 to 10 inches apart at the end of September in Phoenix. They will grow rapidly until November and stay blooming all the winter. In colder areas, start them 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date, and put them in place 2 weeks after the last frost.