When to Plant Impatiens in Bexar County, TX
Your July gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Bexar County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for impatiens
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: impatiens
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.
Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 3,197 feet, Bexar County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Impatiens during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Impatiens root diseases.
Bexar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Impatiens Planting Risk Windows
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 Bexar County
How your county's soil matches Impatiens's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) is more alkaline than Impatiens prefers (6.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bexar County is excellent for Impatiens — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Impatiens.
How to Plant Impatiens
Succession Planting Impatiens
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
Impatiens Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bexar 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 Planting Timeline — Bexar County, TX
Impatiens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 14 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | May 6 | May 6 – Oct 21 |
· 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Bexar County
Growing Tips for Impatiens in Bexar County
Direct sow Impatiens outdoors after March 11 in Bexar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 →
Impatiens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Impatiens in Bexar County, TX?
Bexar County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Impatiens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bexar County, TX?
Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Bexar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bexar 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.