Pansies
Pansies are charming cold-tolerant annuals that you can plant in winter and enjoy through spring.
The modern-day pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) was cultivated in the early 1800s in England and is believed to have evolved from the wild pansy, Viola tricolor. It eventually took root in North America, where it has been a popular annual since the 1900s.
Today, pansies continue to awe gardeners with their showy colors and tolerance for cold. There are more than 300 varieties, offering an array of options for gardeners, including some hybrids with unusual flower colors or improved heat tolerance.
Characteristics
Pansies have unique flower appearances and color variations. “Faced” pansies have flowers with color blotches, sporting a darker, contrasting center. These blotches appear to many to resemble a face, and the French called the flowers pansies in reference to their word for thought, pensée. Solid-colored blooms are known as “clear-faced” pansies.
The hues of pansy flowers range widely from white, gold, orange, and rust to rose, violet, blue, and maroon. Some varieties have flowers with crinkled or ruffled edges, adding texture to the colorful petals. Pansies reach ½ to 1 foot in height and width, while flower diameters reach up to 4 inches.
Pansies not only add color to your garden, but they can also serve as a garnish in the kitchen. Pansy flowers are edible and can be used in salads and soups.
Planting and Care
Where and when to plant
Pansies are cold-tolerant biennials grown in Florida as winter annuals. They can be grown anywhere in the United States and are suitable for all hardiness zones. Pansies generally perform well throughout the winter in zones 8 to 11 but are not suitable for summer. Recommended months to plant in Florida vary by region:
- Planting month for zone 8: February, October, November, or December
- Planting month for zone 9: February, November, or December
- Planting month for zone 10 and 11: November or December
If pansies are planted too early in the year while it’s still hot, they can exhibit yellowing foliage or elongated stems, which makes them more susceptible to diseases and insect pests. If planted when it’s too cold, stunted growth, yellowing, and poor flowering can occur. Pansies thrive in air temperatures below 65˚ Fahrenheit at night. When purchasing transplants, make sure they are healthy and not root-bound in their containers or leggy and overgrown.
Growing Conditions
Pansies need well-drained soil and some shade to stay healthy. Planting them in elevated beds can ensure good drainage, but they are also suitable for borders, edging, planters, and window boxes. When preparing the soil, adding organic materials like compost can enrich and nurture the plant. Rich, moist soil will improve flower size and appearance. Placing mulch around the base can help conserve moisture and insulate the roots during cold snaps. Pansies prefer a soil pH of 5.4 to 5.8 and benefit from fertilizer application during the growing season.
For home gardening, purchasing seeds, seedlings, or mature plants from reputable sources is often more effective than trying to produce your own seed stock. Allowing plants to go to seed may reduce flower size and quantity, though some self-sown seedlings may sprout naturally in the garden. Remove old, faded flowers before seed is formed to extend the flowering period (referred to as “deadheading”). If planting by seed, keep in mind that they only germinate at temperatures between 65˚ and 75˚Fahrenheit. To encourage branching, improve flowering, and control the growth, you can trim the lanky branches periodically once the plant is established. Attempting to propagate via cuttings is generally not recommended.
Pests and Disease
Insect pests that feed on pansies include aphids, spider mites, pansyworms, slugs, cutworms, and yellow wooly bears. Deer have been known to nibble on them as well. Diseases that plague pansies include crown and root rot diseases, which cause the roots to appear mushy, water-soaked, and brown. These diseases tend to occur when weather is warm and wet—another reason to plant pansies in the fall or winter. Black root rot, true to its name, causes the feeder roots to die and turn black, eventually killing the whole root system. Botrytis blight also wreaks havoc on these unsuspecting plants; this airborne fungus attacks flowers, often targeting dead or damaged plant material. Downy mildew forms gray spores on the underside of pansy leaves and creates a gray and fuzzy appearance, eventually causing the leaves to become curled and distorted. Several leafspot diseases can affect pansies, which leave spots on the leaves that vary in color from white to brown to black.
To reduce the risk of these diseases, make sure to buy healthy plants, keep plant beds clean of infected plants, sanitize tools, and allow the soil to dry between watering.
With a little attention, pansies are an excellent cool-weather option for Florida, with worthwhile blooms that sport unique color features. If your winter garden is feeling dismal, these vibrant flowers can bring life to the landscape.
Also on Gardening Solutions
- Add a Thrilling Porch Planter for Fall
- Annual Flowers
- Edible Flowers
- Gardening for Fall Color
- Winter Annuals