When to Plant Impatiens in USDA Zone 11b
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.
In Zone 11b, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Impatiens Planting Timeline — Zone 11b
Where Is USDA Zone 11b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11b. Click any state to see the Impatiens planting schedule for that location.
Impatiens Planting Calendar — Zone 11b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | November 6 | Nov 6 – Nov 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | October 30 | Oct 30 – Nov 13 |
| Bloom | January 8 | Jan 8 – Sep 3 |
· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Transplant Outdoors |
| November | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors |
| December | — |
Free Zone 11b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.5
Zone Temperature Range
45°F to 50°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
365 days (Zone 11b average)
Planting Specifications
| Plant Spacing | 10 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Impatiens in Zone 11b
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Impatiens in Zone 11b
Zone 11b offers a long growing season (~365 days). You can plant Impatiens earlier and may get multiple harvests.
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.
Companion Planting
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The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
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Saving Impatiens Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Related Plants
Impatiens in Other Zones
Impatiens by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Impatiens in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, plan your Impatiens planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around November 6. Transplant seedlings around October 30.
Can Impatiens grow in Zone 11b?
Yes, Impatiens can grow well in Zone 11b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 11b has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Impatiens (60-75 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Impatiens in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, expect to harvest Impatiens from January 8 – September 3. Impatiens takes 60-75 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Impatiens?
Good companion plants for Impatiens include Hostas, Ferns, Caladiums, Begonias. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Zone 11b Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 11b. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.