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When to plant Impatiens in Hampton, FL

Plant Impatiens in Hampton, between February 15 and March 1 — the only viable window. Zone 9a's short season (272 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Impatiens in Hampton, FL

Bradford County, Florida Zone 9a August

August in the garden — Bradford County, Florida

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

Avg. last frost March 1
Avg. first frost November 28
Soil temp (4") 95°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.1 hrs
  1. Basket week: impatiens

    Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.

Looking ahead to September
  • 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.

Hampton, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 272 days.

At an elevation of 297 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°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
Hampton, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
272 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
272 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Hampton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Impatiens Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 31 🌸 Bloom: Apr 11 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 4 Transplant: Feb 15 🌸 Bloom: Apr 26 – Oct 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 8 🌸 Bloom: May 17 – Nov 1

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 Hampton

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Impatiens prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Impatiens.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.7%). 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 272-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.

Impatiens Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,207 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 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bradford 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 ~1,586 GDD — county provides 6,392 GDD Excellent fit

Impatiens Planting Timeline — Hampton, FL

Impatiens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 18
Transplant Outdoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Bloom April 26 Apr 26 – Oct 11

· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

272 days in Bradford County

Growing Tips for Impatiens in Hampton

Direct sow Impatiens outdoors after March 01 in Bradford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Bradford 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 98°F in Bradford 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 →

When should I plant Impatiens in Hampton, FL?

In Hampton, FL, plant Impatiens after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hampton, FL for Impatiens?

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

Can Impatiens grow in Hampton's climate?

Yes — Impatiens grows well in Hampton's temperate climate. Hampton averages a 272-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Bradford County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bradford 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 Bradford County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.