Impatiens vs Kale

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Impatiens	Kale
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Balsaminaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Mixed	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View ImpatiensProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Impatiens and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Impatiens grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

Do Impatiens and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Impatiens needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Kale?

Kale grows taller at 2' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Kale spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Impatiens and Kale deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Kale?

Both Impatiens and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Impatiens	Kale
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Balsaminaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Mixed	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Impatiens and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Impatiens grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

Do Impatiens and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Impatiens needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Kale?

Kale grows taller at 2' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Kale spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Impatiens and Kale deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Kale?

Both Impatiens and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.