POSTED: July 30, 2003 by Helen
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Impatiens are hard to beat for their cheery colors brightening up those shady spots. One thing they DO NOT like is the cold. I've seen many a gardener [against professional advice] plant out their impatiens as soon as it starts to warm up. Around here there's often a chill that hits in late Spring [I think it's to remind us that we're not living in Florida] For the last several years it's been so wet and cold that I've seen people having to replant their "tenders" two and three times.
From what you described, I'd guess it has to do with your fertilizing - especially if they were blooming well when you first got them. It's possible that you're doing too much - or the wrong kind. For strong bloom, you want a high second # [N-P-K = leaves-flower-roots and general health].Read package directions carefully - the ratios and feeding schedules given are important. Organics are always better than chemical, but for annuals it's not quite as important.
As they are "fleshy"-stemmed plants, over-watering [or under] can lead to distress. Ensure your soil has good drainage to combat the spring and fall rains.