Impatiens should be watered consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Here are the key guidelines for watering impatiens:
- For newly planted impatiens, water daily for the first week to keep the soil damp but ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging
- Once established, impatiens in garden beds typically need about 2 inches of water per week, which translates to watering every few days depending on rainfall and temperature
- In hot weather (temperatures in the high 80s or 90s °F), impatiens may require daily watering to prevent wilting
- Impatiens grown in containers or window boxes dry out faster and generally need watering every day or every few days, especially in warm conditions
- Always check the soil moisture before watering: water when the soil feels slightly damp or dry about an inch below the surface, but avoid watering if the soil is still wet to prevent root rot and diseases like downy mildew
- Watering is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and protect the plants from heat stress
In summary, water impatiens enough to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering-daily watering for young or container plants, and every few days to weekly for established plants in beds, adjusting frequency based on temperature and soil moisture.
