Impatiens: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ... - Old Farmer's Almanac Impatiens prefer humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Make sure the plants have some shelter from the wind. The closer impatiens plants are, the taller they will grow, so space accordingly (impatiens plants can grown anywhere between 6 and 30 inches tall). For flower beds, plant 8 to 12 inches apart so the plants will stay low to the ground.