My goodness what gorgeous impatien plants! I grew them about 10 years ago when living in Southern Calif. and I loved looking for the plump ready to burst pods and harvesting the seeds. I waited for the seeds to dry and then would plant indoors on windowsill that stayed warm but no direct sun and got tons of baby plants this way. Gave away many babies. Ones I planted in my garden usually always grew very well and healthy. The color variety here that gardeners have posted are beautiful! I now live in Northern Calif. and new gardener up here very different climate, but I do have shaddy warm areas I think they may do well in. Anyone have extra seeds they want to swap or can send SASE... Cindy : )

They germinate like crazy in my damp spot by hose, around hydrangeas! Damp soil, and I think seeds need to sit on top for light, to germinate. They are easy to pull out, so I have just a few plants, flowered last month, but re-budded now. So if I get seeds, I'll bring to fall swap. If not, seedlings for you in spring for sure. My first plant was given to me by a fellow gardener, who pulled out a handfull from her garden, stuck them in grocery bag, and I repotted limp, lifeless things 5 hrs later - half revived. I think wet is the key. They sure are pretty for natives.

Patrick, You might score some on the Imaptiens forum. I got some through there a few years ago. Jim

Hi - I think what's too cold for them is about 32, assuming they're a decent size with a couple of leaves. I gotten to the point where I just start my impatiens outside either directly in the ground or in bigger flats. They are so easy to grow and quick, I don't bother with them in advance. Good luck!