Space tall-growing varieties 18 inches apart and compact varieties 8 to 10 inches apart. The closer they are planted, the taller and leggier the plants grow. Impatiens may be grown in containers. Use a soil-less growing mix for good drainage. Impatiens grown in containers need more frequent watering and possibly more fertilizing than those grown in the garden.
Diseases can include damping-off during germination, fungal blights and rots, and viruses.
Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs and aphids may infest New Guinea impatiens. Cultural control methods can easily prevent most problems from developing. Grow plants under optimum conditions to keep them healthy. Impatiens are highly susceptible to moisture stress. If the plants are allowed to wilt, they will drop leaves and flowers.