Five Questions with Steven Engel

What type of impatiens will work best?

A favorite among growers and home gardeners is Beacon® Impatiens because of its high resistance to Plasmopara destructor, the cause of impatiens downy mildew (IDM). This disease causes all the flowers and foliage to fall off the stems, and the plants “melt away” until there is literally nothing left. And it spreads quickly. Before Beacon, many growers and gardeners stopped using Impatiens walleriana to avoid the problem. Beacon solves that for growers because of the plant’s high resistance to the cause of the disease! Growing color for the shade just got easier!

Are impatiens better planted in planters or garden beds?

Impatiens thrive in both settings. Planters allow the plant to be more mobile and won’t require a lot of room, which is great for shared living arrangements like condos and apartments, or a covered porch or deck. While beds require a bit more space (and a few more plants), they will brighten up any shaded area to create an amazing display of vibrant color.

Can Beacon Impatiens grow in the sun?

Beacon Impatiens do best in shaded areas, but they do need some sun to flourish. Too much sun could cause wilting or may hamper blooming. They need a space that will get 2-4 hours of sun a day (no more) to show the best flowering. They will need to be watered regularly, but not kept too wet. They should be watered at the base of the plant and not directly on the flower petals to keep the tops looking pretty while ensuring the plant gets proper hydration. 

How far apart do Beacon Impatiens spread?

The closer impatiens are planted together, the taller they will grow — 8 to 12 inches apart in a bed is best. For containers, less is more. Allow for 3 plants in a 10- to 12-inch container.

When is the best time to plant impatiens?

To make sure the plants get off to the right start in outdoor beds, check for the average last frost date for your zone. State extension websites are a great resource for these types of inquiries. Once that last frost date passes, start planting.

For more information: panamseed.com