Impatiens seed is hard to start if you are a first timer. They have to be kept moist to germinate anddamp off very easily if you give them too much moisture. For good germination they need bottom heat and preferably a greenhouse or light system. They take about 10 weeks to get them to a good size for transplanting, so they have to be planted inside.

You can try but consider it well done if you succeed.

The seed is in football shaped pods on the plant and will spring open when you touch it when ripe. However most impatiens are hybrids and you may not get what you have this year if you plant them

Hi Winston, I've found it much easier to start Impatiens right where you want them to grow. Especially this late in the season. In fact here in z7 NC, it's quicker to start them in ground or planter, rather than starting them inside and transplanting them. Just pre-soak the dirt you're planting in, sprinkle the seeds on, and slightly rewater. Then keep them from completely drying out for 1-2 weeks and you're all set. A shady area works best of course. I find Impatiens seeds the easiest of all to germinate.

I save my seeds from year to year - haven't bought new plants in over 10 years. Just pop the seed pod when ready, put them on a newspaper or something, and scrape out the seeds in a day when the pods are wilted a bit. Save them in a ziploc (just the seeds - no pods or they'll all mold) till next year. I usually get plenty of volunteers from year to year as well.

Hope this helps! Alana