Impatiens is a slow-growing plant, and you’ll need to start the seedlings about three months before your last spring frost. Impatiens seed germination can take up to 21 days, with most of the sprouting happening within the first two weeks.
Some gardeners may try to save money by broadcasting the seeds over a tray, then transplanting the tiny seedlings once they grow leaves, but you’ll reduce the chance of transplant shock if you start the seeds off in individual small pots or six-pack cells of their own.
You’ll have to transplant the seedlings to there anyway, so you might as well start them in their eventual home. Any empty cells from seeds that don’t sprout are a small price to pay for healthier, sturdy impatiens.
Growing impatiens from seeds is a slow process, but a simple one. Fill each cell with a moistened commercial seed-starting mix, leaving ½ inch space between the top of the soil and the edge of the planter. Put the cells on a tray and fill the tray with water. Allow the mix to soak up water from the bottom until the top of the mix is moist. Pour the rest of the water out of the tray.
