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When to plant Impatiens in Nassau County, FL

In Nassau County, Impatiens is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant January 31–February 14 for an 60–75-day harvest, finishing well before the December 1 first frost.

When to Plant Impatiens in Nassau County, FL

Nassau County, Florida Zone 9a July

What to do in July

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nassau County, Florida this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost February 14
Avg. first frost December 1
Soil temp (4") 94°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Collect impatiens at their peak

    The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.

A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
  • First harvests: impatiens

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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.

Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Nassau County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Impatiens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Impatiens will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Impatiens root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly
Nassau County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Nassau County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Impatiens Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (64 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 13 Transplant: Jan 24 🌸 Bloom: Apr 4 – Sep 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 31 🌸 Bloom: Apr 11 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 26 Transplant: Mar 9 🌸 Bloom: May 18 – Nov 2

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 Nassau County

How your county's soil matches Impatiens's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–5.8) is more acidic than Impatiens prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Nassau County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Impatiens will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Impatiens.

How to Plant Impatiens

10"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Impatiens

5
successive plantings in your 290-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.

Impatiens Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 426 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nassau 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 needs ~1,738 GDD — county provides 7,493 GDD Excellent fit

Impatiens Planting Timeline — Nassau County, FL

Impatiens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 20 Dec 20 – Jan 3
Transplant Outdoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Bloom April 11 Apr 11 – Sep 26

· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors
February Transplant Outdoors
March
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

290 days in Nassau County

Growing Tips for Impatiens in Nassau County

Direct sow Impatiens outdoors after February 14 in Nassau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Nassau County dries quickly — mulch Impatiens with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 101°F in Nassau County, provide afternoon shade for Impatiens and water deeply in the morning.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Impatiens in Nassau County, FL?

Nassau County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nassau County, FL?

Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 1.

When should I plant Impatiens in Nassau County, FL?

In Nassau County, FL, plant Impatiens after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nassau County, FL for Impatiens?

Nassau County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Impatiens grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Impatiens grow in Nassau County's climate?

Yes — Impatiens grows well in Nassau County's temperate climate. Nassau County averages a 291-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Nassau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nassau County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nassau County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.