How to Grow Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Impatiens walleriana
flowerImpatiens are tender annual flowering plants prized for their vibrant blooms and exceptional shade tolerance, making them ideal for filling dark garden corners and shaded borders. They produce abundant, delicate flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, white, orange, and bi-colors throughout the growing season. These fast-growing plants are beloved by gardeners seeking reliable color in low-light conditions.
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Example Impatiens (Busy Lizzie) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Impatiens (Busy Lizzie) blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grow as annuals nationwide; thrive in zones 10-11 as perennials. Best performance in zones 5-9 with protection from intense afternoon sun
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with two small cotyledons. First true leaves are oval and tender. Plants are delicate and require high humidity and consistent moisture
Maintain 70-75°F soil temperature. Keep under grow lights 14-16 hours daily. Provide high humidity with a humidity dome or misting. Never allow to dry out completely. Begin fertilizing weakly once first true leaves appear
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and increasingly larger, slightly succulent leaves. Foliage is dense and bushy. No flowers yet; plant focuses on leaf and branch development
Thin or space seedlings to prevent crowding. Pinch growing tips when 2-3 inches tall to encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture and provide bright indirect light. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips and leaf axils. Initial blooms begin opening. Plant transitions from leaf production to flower development
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to higher-phosphorus formula to encourage flowering. Maintain even moisture without overwatering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Continue pinching back leggy growth if needed
Flowering & Blooming
8-12 weeksDense clusters of flowers cover the plant throughout summer. Blooms continuously if conditions are favorable. Plant may reach 10-24 inches tall depending on variety and light conditions
Deadhead regularly to extend flowering season. Water consistently; drought stress halts blooming. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 10-14 days. Pinch back excessively tall stems to maintain shape. Watch for pest and disease issues in humid conditions. Provide afternoon shade in zones 8-9 to prevent flower fade
Decline & End of Season
Until first frostAs temperatures cool in fall (below 50°F), flowering slows dramatically. Plants become less vigorous and may develop spotting or decline quickly with frost
Plants are frost-tender and will die at first frost. Bring container plants indoors before first freeze if desired to extend season (2-3 weeks possible). Otherwise, compost plants. Can take cuttings in fall for winter houseplants
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; isolate affected plants to prevent spread
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Reduce overwatering and soil moisture; use sand top-dressing; apply diatomaceous earth; use mosquito dunks in soil
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Spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; remove affected leaves; use horticultural oil
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybugs for biological control
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and
Remove by hand at dusk; beer traps; copper barriers; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryImpatiens flowers are non-toxic and can be used as delicate, slightly sweet edible garnishes for salads and desserts, though they have minimal nutritional value. The flowers add visual appeal to plates and are popular in gourmet cuisine. [source]
Shade gardening and landscaping
HouseholdImpatiens excel in difficult shaded areas where few other flowering annuals thrive, making them essential for transforming dark corners, under eaves, and woodland gardens into colorful displays. They provide reliable, continuous color in low-light conditions. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftWhile delicate, impatiens blooms can be used in small fresh flower arrangements and bouquets, particularly for delicate, cottage-garden style designs. They require immediate water after cutting and have a short vase life of 3-5 days. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeImpatiens flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, particularly in shaded gardens where nectar sources are limited. They provide valuable forage throughout the blooming season. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Impatiens balsamina (Balsam plant, related species) has been used for skin conditions and inflammation, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Impatiens are grown for continuous flowering, not harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering season. Pinch off the developing seed pods (small green capsules behind flowers) to redirect energy into new flowers. In fall, take 4-6 inch cuttings just below leaf nodes, root in water or moist soil indoors to preserve favorite varieties through winter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Impatiens' comes from the Latin word meaning 'impatient,' referring to the seed pods that explosively burst open when ripe, scattering seeds up to 6 feet away at the slightest touch
- 🌱 Impatiens walleriana is native to Tanzania and was named after the river valley where it was discovered; it's also commonly called 'Busy Lizzie' because of its prolific flowering and 'Touch-me-not' for its explosive seed pods
- 🌱 Unlike most flowering plants, impatiens prefer slightly moist conditions and actually perform better in shade than in full sun—they evolved in the African understory where they receive dappled light
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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