Pansy flower power

Pansy flower. Garden tips

Pansies relish the cool of both spring and fall, making them a
prime source of lively color when gardens need it the most.
Check out our garden tips on pansy flower.

by ERIC LISKEY photos PETE KRUMHARDT


SPRING FLING Pansies and violas pair nicely with bulbs, such as grape hyacinth, here. Plant them
in fall when you dig in your bulbs, and they’ll bloom together in spring for a vivid display.



Pansies may be the most versatile garden annuals. Few others can match the array of colors and
patterns of these cheerful plants. Add in their ability to thrive in chilly weather and do equally well in beds and containers, and you can see why they are among the most useful, and loved, flowers.

Pansies share the genus Viola with Johnny jumpups and related hybrids, which are usually labeled simply “viola.” These hybrids have smaller flowers but perform similarly in the garden. In spring, you can plant pansies well before the last frost for early flowers. In fall, plant in September while days are still warm, and you’ll enjoy color into November, if not longer. Then let them overwinter. Well-established plants can
survive even in Zones 4 and 5, and will bloom all winter in Zones 8–10.

Whether fall- or spring-planted, pansies reach a spectacular flower peak in late spring. Then they’ll become leggy in the first heat of early summer, just in time for you to remove and replace them with
heat-loving summer annuals such as impatiens, coleus, and begonia.

POTTED PLEASURES 
Pansies bring a jolt of
vibrant color to spring
pots. Make sure containers
get regular water, even in
cool weather.

ON THE EDGE
Pansies and violas are small,
so plant them along bed
and walkway edges, where
their vivid colors can be seen.
For greater impact, grow
them in masses or tight
groups of one or two colors,
rather than a mix of several.

COLORFUL FOOD

Though not very flavorful,
pansy flowers are edible.
Use fresh blooms to add
color to salads or to
garnish a plate. Don’t use
pest controls on pansies
you intend to eat.

Pansy know-how
SHOPPING

Pansy plants should be compact and dark green. Avoid faded, stretched-out plants,
even if they’re on clearance. In fall, buy early—September or early October—

because plants established later than this may not overwinter successfully.

GROWING Pansies flowers

Pansies are undemanding annuals, rarely experiencing pest or disease problems.
They’ll thrive in average garden soil with full sun and ample moisture. To ensure
consistent flowering, scratch slow-release fertilizer into the soil and remove spent
flowers. Overwintered pansies can sometimes attract hungry rabbits, so use
a repellent spray if necessary.