They may look dainty, but they are resilient annuals that thrive in cool weather. Pansies are cheerful and easy-to-care-for annuals that love part to full sun locations. They are often seen in fall and winter container pots, where their bright colors and longevity are valued during our cooler months of the year. They also look beautiful when used as a border in a gardening bed or a mass planting.
Pansies and Violas are available in 4" pots for $1 each, and are grown right here at your local nursery.
Tips for caring for Pansies:
Plant them in full to mostly sunny locations. They will bloom best where they can receive plenty of sunlight. Shady spots tend to make them leggy (as they're searching for more sunlight!) and not bloom very much.
Plant them in color blocks for a jaw-dropping look! Or mix them for a colorful display! There is no wrong color palette when it comes to planting Pansies and Violas. Of course, some colors complement each other better than others, but they all look amazing and you can mix several types together. We love planting color blocks of these flowers in gardening beds and mixing them up in container pots. This is only a suggestion; there are many beautiful ways to plant them.
Remember to keep them watered every few days. To keep your Pansies healthy and doing their best during these upcoming cooler/colder months, water them every few days. Water acts as an insulator in the soil, insulating their roots. This is a great tip to follow for any newly planted tree or plant, as well (newly planted means anything you've planted within the last year).
They may look puny for a few weeks during winter- especially if we have ice or snow. Although these flowers prefer the cold weather, they do tend to look a bit frozen for a few days or weeks if we have a super cold front come through. Making sure they have adequate water before a cold snap (especially if in pots) can help them stay perkier.
Pinch back spent blooms on Pansies if you'd like, but you do not need to for Violas.
After winter, continue to water and care for them. They will dazzle and amaze you until the weather significantly heats up in mid-May.