When to Plant Impatiens in Fulton County, NY
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.
Fulton County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 566 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 46.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Impatiens to ensure they mature before fall.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.8
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fulton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Impatiens Planting Timeline — Fulton County, NY
Impatiens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Bloom | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 22 |
· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Fulton 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 →
Impatiens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Impatiens in Fulton County, NY?
Fulton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, NY?
Fulton County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.