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When to plant Impatiens in Lowndes County, GA

In Lowndes County, Impatiens is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant February 17–March 3 for an 60–75-day harvest, finishing well before the November 26 first frost.

When to Plant Impatiens in Lowndes County, GA

Lowndes County, Georgia Zone 9a June

June in Lowndes County, Georgia — your action list

Each item below is timed to Lowndes County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost March 3
Avg. first frost November 26
Soil temp (4") 81°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Basket week: 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.

Lowndes County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 396 feet, Lowndes County receives approximately 57.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Impatiens may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Impatiens, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Impatiens root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly
Lowndes County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Lowndes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Impatiens Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 25 Transplant: Feb 5 🌸 Bloom: Apr 16 – Oct 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Feb 17 🌸 Bloom: Apr 28 – Oct 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 12 🌸 Bloom: May 21 – Nov 5

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 Lowndes County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Impatiens's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Lowndes County is excellent for Impatiens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Impatiens.

How to Plant Impatiens

10"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Impatiens

5
successive plantings in your 268-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 12 to harvest before frost.

Impatiens Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 240 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 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lowndes 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 ~1,536 GDD — county provides 6,097 GDD Excellent fit

Impatiens Planting Timeline — Lowndes County, GA

Impatiens Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 6 Jan 6 – Jan 20
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Bloom April 28 Apr 28 – Oct 13

· 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 · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

268 days in Lowndes County

Growing Tips for Impatiens in Lowndes County

Direct sow Impatiens outdoors after March 03 in Lowndes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Lowndes County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Impatiens. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lowndes 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 Lowndes County, GA?

Lowndes County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lowndes County, GA?

Lowndes County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Impatiens in Lowndes County, GA?

In Lowndes County, GA, plant Impatiens after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lowndes County, GA for Impatiens?

Lowndes 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 Lowndes County's climate?

Yes — Impatiens grows well in Lowndes County's temperate climate. Lowndes County averages a 268-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Lowndes County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lowndes 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 Lowndes County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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