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When to plant Impatiens in Suwannee County, FL

Plant Impatiens in Suwannee County during the brief February 18–March 4 window. With 267 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 26.

When to Plant Impatiens in Suwannee County, FL

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.

Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 383 feet, Suwannee County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Impatiens during the growing season. 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
Suwannee County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Suwannee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Suwannee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Impatiens Planting Timeline — Suwannee County, FL

Impatiens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Bloom April 29 Apr 29 – Oct 14

· 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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Suwannee County

Growing Tips for Suwannee County

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 Suwannee County, FL?

Suwannee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Suwannee County, FL?

Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Impatiens in Suwannee County, FL?

In Suwannee County, FL, plant Impatiens after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Suwannee County, FL for Impatiens?

Suwannee 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 Suwannee County's climate?

Yes — Impatiens grows well in Suwannee County's temperate climate. Suwannee County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

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Your Suwannee County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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