what to do with impatiens in fall

Cut off all foliage at the end of the fall season. Cutting the plants back allows them to survive cooler weather in USDA zones 8 through 10 and prepare for reemergence the following spring. You can cut impatiens back to within three inches of the plant's base as fall turns to winter.

How do you winterize impatiens?

A: There are three ways to keep your impatiens. You can simply dig a clump of the plants and keep them in an indoor pot for the winter. You'll need to grow them in plenty of light to keep them healthy. Another option is to take 6 inch long stem cuttings and root them in water.

Do Impatiens come back every year?

A: Impatiens do indeed come back from their own seed each year. You'll realize with experience that the seedlings don't begin blooming until late May, which is why most folks plant blooming, nursery-grown impatiens plants in April. ... This is why impatiens are sometimes called “Touch Me Not” plants.

Can I bring my impatiens inside for the winter?

Though most commonly grown as a tender annual bedding plant due to their inability to tolerate frost, impatiens plants that have to be brought indoors can easily and reliably be grown throughout the winter months.

How do you prune impatiens for the winter?

Preparing Impatiens for Winter

In late fall, before the first frost, prune the impatiens' stems about halfway along their length at a point just above a side stem or bud.
Dig up the plant with a trowel or spade, trying to retain as much of the root system as possible.

Do you cut back impatiens in the fall?

Cut off all foliage at the end of the fall season. Cutting the plants back allows them to survive cooler weather in USDA zones 8 through 10 and prepare for reemergence the following spring. You can cut impatiens back to within three inches of the plant's base as fall turns to winter.

Do impatiens die in winter?

Dry winds desiccate their leaves, and cold temperatures and moisture cause their roots and stems to rot. Impatiens plants that bloomed enthusiastically through the previous spring, summer and fall are probably all tuckered out and won't survive the winter.

Do impatiens spread?

You can help impatiens plants spread by planting them about 12 inches from each another. ... If you plant impatiens in dense configurations, they will grow upward and produce no spreading appearance. Impatiens need some sunlight for blossom and seed development, but they perform best in filtered shade.

How do you make impatiens bushy?

Impatiens are one of those plants that benefit from "pinching," or pruning off spent blooms as well as stems. Pinching back stems encourages branching growth that makes the plants more bushy, while also promoting the development of new buds and flowers.

How do you keep impatiens blooming?

Avoid planting your impatiens in full sun. If you have them in full shade and they're not blooming well, try moving them to a spot that gets a few hours of good afternoon sun exposure. Another common cause of no flowers on impatiens is improper watering.

When should I take impatiens inside?

If you are looking to bring impatiens plants indoors, cut back the plants and bring them inside before the temperature drops to 40 degrees.

Do impatiens root in water?

Impatiens rooting can also be achieved with water. In fact, impatiens cuttings root easily using this method. Simply remove any lower leaves and place the cuttings in a glass or vase of water, up to the first couple of nodes. Place it in a bright location out of direct sunlight, such as a well-lit windowsill.

How many hours of sun do impatiens need?

Impatiens perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Sites that receive 2 to 4 hours of filtered sun during the day or morning sun and afternoon shade are usually ideal. Impatiens can also be grown in heavy shade. However, plants will be taller and bloom less profusely in heavily shaded locations.

Do impatiens need to be cut back?

Why Pruning Impatiens is Important

About mid-season, you may notice your impatiens getting a little leggy, meaning their stems get quite long and weak and develop fewer flowers. ... Trimming and pruning impatiens is necessary if you want to keep them looking full, healthy, and colorful for the whole growing season.

How do you preserve geraniums over the winter?

Set the plants in a shady spot and let them dry for a few days. This will help avoid mold or mildew during storage. Store your geraniums through winter in a paper bag or cardboard box in a cool, dry location, at about 50 to 60 degrees F.

Will Impatiens come back after frost?

While it may be ugly, the wilted, brown, and dead plant material associated with frost or freeze damage protects the rest of the plant that is still living. ... Tender, fleshy plants like begonias or impatiens can be pruned back after cold so they don't rot and lead to disease.

What is the best fertilizer for impatiens?

Liquid fertilizers work best when it comes to impatiens, as they can be absorbed quickly by the roots and foliage. Water soluble vegetable and flower fertilizer works wonders in keeping all of your annual plants and vegetables growing strong. Use less than full strength doses when applying weekly.

Why are my impatiens getting leggy?

Leggy Plants

Impatiens can begin to look leggy and worn out when temperatures rise in midsummer. Spindly plants benefit from drastic pruning, cutting the stems down to about 3 inches above the ground.

Why are my impatiens leaves falling off?

This is usually due to moisture stress. These plants need to be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Water stress can also cause leaf and flower/bud drop. In addition to watering, wilting can be a result of heat stress, especially if the plants are in too much sun.

Can you save begonias for next year?

The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color. Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: ... Place in a dry, cool storage area (a basement or garage) and allow the tubers to cure for several weeks.

Are impatiens an annual or a perennial?

How to Grow Impatiens. Impatiens plants are one of the most popular annual flowers, due to their brightly colored blooms and their ability to grow in shady areas. Although technically tropical perennials, these plants are grown as annuals in all but the warmest regions (zones 10 to 12).