Pansy plants (Viola x wittrockiana) are cheerful, blooming flowers, among the first of the season to offer winter color in many areas. Growing pansies are commonly seen in late fall and early spring in more northern areas of the United States, while in subtropical areas, pansies bloom throughout the winter.
About Pansy Plants
Learning how to grow pansies can guarantee color in the flower bed where none may have existed. Pansy plants are members of the Viola family, originating from the small and delicate variety known as Johnny-Jump Up. Include a few of the original violas in the landscape with pansies for a fine and frilly texture in your beds. Today's hybrid versions of pansy plants are more adaptable to heat than those of the past with larger blooms displayed with more vigor. Most prefer daytime temps in the 60 degrees F. (16 C.) range and nighttime temps around 40 degrees F. (4 C.). Breeders have created cultivars with the “face” to go with the drooping head of the pansy plant. Newer varieties of pansy plants prefer a full or part sun location and are happy in hanging baskets, combination containers, and flower bed borders.
How to Grow Pansy Flowers
Pansies may be started from seed or purchased as seedlings from the local garden center. The pansy plant may grow with spring and winter blooming bulbs such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils. Plants grown from seed may not flower until the second year, as pansy plants are biennials. Proper preparation of the soil goes a long way in getting the most from pansy plants. Work in organic material such as compost or well-rotted leaves to a 4 inch (10 cm.) depth before planting pansies. This accommodates the growing pansy's need for well-draining soil and provides nutrients as the organic material decomposes. When growing pansies in well-prepared soil, the need for fertilization will be minimal. Pansies also prefer acidic soil, so do not add limestone unless indicated by a soil test. Other pansy care is simple, water and deadhead pansies for a longer period of blooms. Experiment with growing pansies in containers and the garden. Many colors and sizes of pansies provide numerous opportunities to include them in the landscape. Pansy care is nearly effortless. Plant some of these beauties in your garden this year.
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Proven Health Benefits Of Gardening – Why It’s Good To Get Your Hands DirtyThere are so many health benefits of gardening for every age and ability level, it may hold the key to many of the world’s problems. Learn about the ways gardening can improve your life.
-
10 Best Pansy Varieties - Growing Beautiful PansiesWhile traditional pansies are always a favorite, there are many newer hybrids. Read on for our top 10 pansy varieties.
-
Pansy Seed Sowing: Learn How To Plant Pansy SeedsGardeners looking to save money often consider starting their own pansy transplants from seed. Though somewhat time consuming, the process is relatively easy, even for inexperienced growers. Learn about the care of seed grown pansies in this article.
-
Pansy Winter Care: Tips For Growing Pansies In WinterDepending on your climate, pansies can grow beautifully in winter. They are hardy and a bright spot in cold months.
-
Pansy Bloom Time: When Is Pansy Flowering SeasonPansies still liven up the flower garden all summer long, but that's not all. These days, with new types of pansies being developed, pansy bloom time can last the whole year through. If you want more information about the pansy flowering season, click this article.
-
Pansy Plant Types: Selecting Different Kinds Of Pansy FlowersPansies have been around for centuries, but so many new and fabulous pansy varieties have been developed that they have taken on a whole new aspect in the flower garden. If you want more info on remarkable kinds of pansy flowers, then this article will help.
-
Pansy Pest Problems – Controlling Bugs That Eat PansiesPansies are very useful flowers. But while these plants are very popular with gardeners, they're just as popular with insects and other pests. Click the following article to learn more about the most common pansy plant pests and how to combat bugs that eat pansies.
-
No Flowers On Pansy Plants: Help, My Pansies Aren’t BloomingEasy to grow, pansies are a terrific option for the novice gardener. Even so, gardeners may find that their pansies aren?t blooming. What causes no flowers on pansy plants? Click here to find out about pansies that won?t bloom and what to do when pansies are not flowering.
-
Pansy Leaves Changing Color – Fixes For Pansies With Yellow LeavesVarious diseases may be responsible when pansy leaves are yellowing, but pests or improper fertilization can also cause discolored pansy leaves. Click this article to learn about a few of the most common culprits.
