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When to Plant Impatiens in New York

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are the go-to annual for shaded beds and containers. They produce a continuous carpet of flat-faced blooms from transplant until frost, needing little deadheading. Their preference for consistent moisture and part-shade makes them ideal under trees and along north-facing borders.

New York spans USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Find Your County

Click your county for exact Impatiens planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Impatiens Planting Calendar for New York

Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Bloom July 31 Jul 31 – Oct 2
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Bloom July 11 Jul 11 – Oct 3
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Bloom July 4 Jul 4 – Oct 3
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Bloom June 26 Jun 26 – Oct 2
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Bloom June 19 Jun 19 – Oct 2
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Bloom June 10 Jun 10 – Sep 30
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Bloom May 27 May 27 – Sep 30

Growing Tips for New York

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost at 70–75°F; germination requires light — do not cover seeds. Transplant after last frost once nights consistently exceed 50°F. Water regularly — wilting causes bud drop and they rarely fully recover the same flush. Watch for impatiens downy mildew (IDM); consider New Guinea impatiens as a resistant alternative in affected regions. Pinch tips at planting to encourage branching.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Impatiens in New York?

Planting dates for Impatiens in New York depend on your USDA zone. New York spans zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is New York for planting?

New York contains USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.