I'm growing some Vina "Burgundy Halo", just started them last weekend. Vinca are pretty easy from seed.

Impatiens are another story. They can be a little finicky. I haven't sown any in years, but I did used to regularly grow impatiens, and also the New Guinea impatiens back in the first few years the seed came out. It sounds strange and someone is probably going to pooh-pooh me, but I found that unless I ensured that the pointed end of the seed was facing downward toward the growing medium, they would fizzle out -- its like that tiny little end that sprouts from the pointed end of the seed couldn't find its way downward into the medium and germination would abort. Pointed downward, no problem. They like it warm, and don't cover the seed, they need light to germinate.

Thanks for the tip, I have some NG Impatiens seeds to try later this year.

Dang I spoke too soon. No signs of life from the vinca seeds, and it's been almost a week. I'm going to sow another batch. I've never had difficulty getting vinca to germinate, and they usually do so quickly, not sure what the problem is this time.

The impatiens seed packet said to cover them with 1/8 inch of soil. I hope they germinate.

My vincas started to pop out yesterday. Yay! Feels so good to have something growing! 🤩

I would usually start my petunias in 3-4 weeks, but I will start them this weekend since it looks like we’ll have an early Spring.

The only time I was able to get impatiens to germinate? They were on top of the medium, but covered with foil. They require dark to germinate. That's what I read. And it worked? But there you go.

I have never grown any vinca (catharanthus roseus) and really only grew impatiens (bizzie-lizzie) as a kid (and pretty much only from slips). Unlike GG, I do like pink...but there are pinks...and PINKS - and some are dreadful, especially en masse. Photos of vinca and bizzie-lizzie definitely do not float my boat in any way. I don't get a hate on any more (for plants) because I have gotten more chilled (lazy), being old...but there are still a few which can raise a shudder or two. You? What plants cause you to narrow your eyes and have a little hiss or engage in some strong tutting.

@rosaprimula: not specific plants in my case but I do not plant any red in my garden. Well, except for tulips. Tulips of any color are welcome here! 🤩

Is it sad that I only grow white versions of vinca and impatiens? Not that I grow impatiens very often. 😉

I only use white impatiens too. I'd say you're tasteful, not sad. 😉 I sometimes buy a few plants to pep up containers in shade where they show up well. They wouldn't last five minutes in the ground (snails and dense competition) and Catharanthus is impossible. Insufficient sun and heat.

My impatiens are blooming!!

They look very healthy!