The year of the Impatiens

image from the yearoftheimpatiens.com 

Another morning of clouds and even heavy fog.  Drive safely till it lifts.  Temperatures are good at high of 51F(11C) It is getting warmer out. It looks like for a few more days, then it will drop down to the temperature we should have.  With the fog, and the clouds it doesn’t quite feel like 51 but it is so much better than that below zero temperature.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Friday March 6 will have 76F(24C).  I would think that would make for a very nice fall day.  Hard to believe they are going into fall, isn’t it.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
There is always a plant of the year, and it looks like the impatiens is that annual plant.  Easy to grow if you know where to plant sun or shade. I will have these here this spring for your gardens. 
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The Year of the Impatiens
Did you know the name "Impatiens" actually describes the plant's personality? Known as the "Touch-me-not," these plants have a fascinating seed dispersal mechanism where their ripe capsules burst at the slightest touch—shooting seeds up to 20 feet away!
From the Mountains to Your Garden
First discovered by explorers in the late 1500s across East Africa and South Asia, this genus is incredibly diverse. While we love them in our window boxes, some wild species in New Guinea actually grow as tall as trees.
The Great Comeback
After a tough decade following the 2011 downy mildew epidemic, the Impatiens has made a triumphant return. Thanks to modern breeding breakthroughs, new disease-resistant varieties like Beacon and Imara XDR mean we can all enjoy these vibrant shade-lovers once again.
Whether you're planting a simple container or a lush garden border, 2026 is the perfect year to celebrate the resilient beauty of the Impatiens.
Most Popular Species of Impatiens
 Impatiens walleriana (Traditional Busy Lizzie
Impatiens hawkeri (New Guinea Impatiens) – genetically resistant to IDM,
Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam)
Expert Growing: 5 Pro Tips for Success
Light matters! Traditional Impatiens love shade, while SunPatiens can rock full sun – know your variety before planting.
 Want happy Impatiens? Plant them in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5 and watch them thrive!
Pro tip: Water your Impatiens at the soil level, not overhead, and keep the soil consistently moist for best results.
Feed your Impatiens monthly with balanced fertilizer (15-15-15), but container plants might need weekly feedings or a dose of slow-release fertilizers.
Give your Impatiens room to grow! Traditional varieties need 8-12 inches of space, while SunPatiens need 14-24 inches.
BONUS Container growing tip: Always use pots with drainage holes and quality potting mix for healthy Impatiens.
Taken from Year of the Impatiens.com
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse