Pansies

Pansies, Winter’s Happy Face Flower

Pansies, an annual (you have to plant new plants every year), are low growing and perfect for edging flowerbeds or walkways in the cooler/colder months so long as it’s not freezing. They seem to do best when the temperature is somewhere in the 30s or 40s (Fahrenheit) with at least four hours of bright sunlight a day. However, today's varieties are hardy. The flowers can withstand temperatures down to 15° F. The plants can handle 15 degrees below zero.

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These pansies survived a multi-day Oklahoma ice storm.

If there is going to be a hard freeze, cut off all the blooming flowers and take them in the house to enjoy. The outdoor plants need to be watered and covered lightly with pine straw, enough to insulate the plant, but not so much that it squashes the stems. When the temperature goes above freezing, push back the mulch to let the leaves get light.

Potted plants suffer more from the cold than plants in the ground, so, if possible, take your pansies in the planter inside the garage or sun porch for protection, cluster them against a building to prevent wind damage, or cover them.

Traditional shades are whites, blues, yellows, burgundies with newer varieties like a soft pink, baby blue, orange and violet. Some are two colors, or their colors are streaked in each single blossom.

The size of blossoms ranges from 4 1/2 inches down to 1 1/2 inches.

Violas look like smaller pansies. They look especially nice in containers because of their compact size and profuse blooms.

Johnny Jump Ups are even smaller than violas. If these are planted in the fall, they will bloom profusely in the spring. These little guys require partial shade and well-drained soil.

Keep your pansies well groomed by pinching back any yellowed or faded flowers and old leaves, and tossing them into the trash to prevent the spread of disease. Trim the plants when they get “leggy,” pinching off the extra length right above a healthy new leaf. The new growth will come in strong.

Even in the winter, pansies require nutrition to reach their full blooming potential, so feed them with a fertilizer containing a high middle number like a 10-30-10. The middle number represents phosphorous that helps develop flowering buds and strengthen stems.

If aphids decide your pansies look tasty, spray them with an organic mixture of 15 parts water, one part dish soap, and one part rubbing alcohol or mouthwash.

Don't forget, when the air is cool, it’s time for pansies, be it spring, fall or a mild winter.

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