When to plant Impatiens in Delta County, CO
Delta County's short 160-day growing season means one Impatiens planting between May 8 and May 22. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Impatiens in Delta County, CO
Top priorities for Delta County, Colorado gardeners in July
A quick July briefing for Delta County, Colorado gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Pick impatiens
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: impatiens
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.
Delta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 4,470 feet, Delta County receives approximately 13.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Impatiens during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Impatiens successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Delta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Impatiens Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Delta County
How your county's soil matches Impatiens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Impatiens prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Delta County is excellent for Impatiens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Impatiens.
How to Plant Impatiens
Succession Planting Impatiens
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
Impatiens Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Impatiens
Impatiens needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Impatiens Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Delta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Impatiens Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Impatiens Planting Timeline — Delta County, CO
Impatiens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Bloom | July 17 | Jul 17 – Oct 30 |
· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Delta County
Growing Tips for Impatiens in Delta County
Direct sow Impatiens outdoors after May 01 in Delta County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Delta County receives only 13" of rain annually. Impatiens needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Impatiens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Impatiens in Delta County, CO?
Delta County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delta County, CO?
Delta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Impatiens in Delta County, CO?
In Delta County, CO, plant Impatiens after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Delta County, CO for Impatiens?
Delta County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Impatiens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Impatiens grow in Delta County's climate?
Yes — Impatiens grows well in Delta County's temperate climate. Delta County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 8.
Your Delta County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Delta County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.