When to Plant Impatiens in Lancaster County, PA
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.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 35 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 46.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Impatiens during the growing season.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lancaster County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Impatiens Planting Timeline — Lancaster County, PA
Impatiens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Bloom | July 2 | Jul 2 – Oct 22 |
· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Lancaster County
Growing Tips for Lancaster 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 Lancaster County, PA?
Lancaster County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, PA?
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Lancaster County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lancaster County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.