Do impatiens flower all year?

In warm climates, they can bloom for a long time, but they are typically grown as annuals. They need consistent temperatures and light to keep producing flowers.

Will deadheading help?

Impatiens are generally self cleaning, meaning they drop their old flowers on their own. You do not need to deadhead them to encourage new blooms.

Why are my impatiens not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Evaluate the amount of light the plant receives.
Check the plant for signs of leggy growth.
Review your recent fertilizing schedule.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks leggy and stretched out with very few or no flower buds.
What to do: Move your impatiens to a spot with more filtered light. While they love shade, they still need bright, indirect light to produce flowers.
Excess nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but absolutely no flowers.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, which encourages blooming. Apply it at half strength every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your busy lizzie

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is healthy and green but simply not blooming, it is likely just a light issue. If the plant is yellowing or wilting, address those health issues before worrying about flowers.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent, bright shade and use a balanced fertilizer designed for blooming plants.

Busy Lizzie: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your busy lizzie and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Do impatiens flower all year?: In warm climates, they can bloom for a long time, but they are typically grown as annuals. They need consistent temperatures and light to keep producing flowers.
Will deadheading help?: Impatiens are generally self cleaning, meaning they drop their old flowers on their own. You do not need to deadhead them to encourage new blooms.

Why are my impatiens not blooming?