Meet the Flower Type That Actually Thrives in Cold Weather—And Learn How To Grow It

Pansies, officially called Viola x wittrockiana, add vibrant color to gardens and thrive in the cooler months. Pansies are known for their cheerful blooms and overlapping petals resembling a heart shape; the colorful flowers come in a variety of hues, including purple, yellow, white, blue, orange, and bi-colors and tri-colors.

“Pansies are not high maintenance,” says horticulturist and landscape designer Nathan Heinrich. “With the right care, they will continue to dazzle you with their blooms for many months.” In our guide, the experts share tips on growing and caring for your own vibrant pansies.

Planting Tips for Pansies

Season

The best time to buy pansies from nurseries is in early spring or fall when most people plant the colorful blooms. “I plant pansies in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked in my cooler climate garden,” says Brock Ingham, experienced gardener and owner of Bigger Garden.

He adds, “They’re resilient, which makes them perfect for bringing color back to my garden when most plants are still waking up from winter. I plant another round of pansies in late summer or early fall. This strategy allows the plants to establish themselves before winter, promising an even more vibrant display come spring.”

Location

Before you plant your pansies, it’s crucial to select a location where they will grow well. Pansies thrive in partial sun and do best in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade. They do not grow well in extreme heat and humidity, so keep this in mind and plant them in areas that will get some shade during the warm months. 

When planting your pansies in a garden bed, allow 6 to 12 inches of space between each plant to give them room to grow. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball for each pansy so they have space to grow deeper roots. For container gardening, put three to four pansies in a 10- to 12-inch pot and one to two pansies in 6- to 8-inch pots. Large pots sized 14 to 16 inches can hold five or six pansies. 

Choosing and Buying Pansies

When you’re at the nursery, look for plants with more flower buds than open flowers. This ensures you’ll enjoy blooms for a longer period. Choose compact, bushy pansies and avoid leggy plants with stretched stems and spaced-out leaves.

In terms of varieties, there are many to choose from. The Majestic Giants are popular for their large blooms and vibrant colors. Matrix Series tends to do well in warmer climates, while the Delta Series has excellent cold tolerance. 

Are Pansies Perennials?

Pansies are technically short-lived perennials, meaning they can survive for more than one growing season under ideal conditions. However, they tend to decline after the first year and, as a result, are often grown as annuals. Pansies can also be grown as biennials in areas with mild winters.

Growing Conditions

In general, pansies grow best in well-draining soil with indirect sunlight. Read on to learn more about specific growing conditions to achieve those pretty blooms.

Temperature

Pansies do not do well with heat and humidity and prefer cooler temperatures—the ideal temperature range for pansies to thrive is actually between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Most pansies flourish with up to 6 hours of sunlight per day, though some newer versions of pansies can tolerate more direct sunlight.

Soil

These colorful plants thrive in neutral or acidic soil rich in nutrients. “Pansies prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, so I test the soil and adjust it if necessary,” says Ingham. “This preparation ensures my pansies have the moist, well-drained environment they love, setting the stage for a season full of blooms.”

Water

Pansies need regular watering to thrive. Aim for consistently moist soil, avoiding extremes of waterlogged conditions and dry spells. “The key to watering pansies is to keep the soil moist without over-watering,” Heinrich says. “You may be able to go weeks or even longer without watering during the winter months. Before watering, check the soil to see if it is dry. Water only when the soil is almost dried out. When you water, water thoroughly.”

Maintenance Tips

Fertilizer

Pansies prefer nutrient-rich soil, and they do well with fertilizing every month or every few months, depending on the fertilizer. “I like to use a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote that will last for up to 120 days or a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro,” Heinrich says. “Make sure to use a fertilizer with plenty of phosphorus and potassium to encourage root growth and strong blooms.”

Trimming and Pruning

Trim your pansies in the spring to remove damaged growth from the winter months. You can also cut back bare sections of stems at any time. Remove the entire stem, cutting it down to where it meets the main stem or a healthy leaf node. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production.

Deadheading will help your pansies bloom to their fullest potential. Choose pansies with wilted petals and faded colors for deadheading. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the stem of the spent flower just below the wilted bloom, close to the base of the flower head. 

“A pro trick for encouraging the most abundant blooms and plants is to pinch off all flowers for the first few weeks after planting,” Heinrich says. “This will redirect the energy into root growth, leading to even more flowers the following month. If you have an upcoming event where you want lots of blooms in your yard, pinch off all blooms for a few weeks before your party. Then, 10 days before the date you want them to be in full bloom, give them a drink of water-soluble fertilizer.” This will result in a vibrant display of color.

Seasonal Care

“Pansies are resilient, handling frost and even a light snow without fuss,” Ingham says. That said, pansies can withstand cold better than many flowers, but they are not immune to extreme cold.

During extreme or prolonged freezes, add an extra layer of protection with frost blankets or other protective covers. Use breathable materials that allow some airflow and light penetration. Drape the cover loosely over the pansies, extending to the ground if possible, but avoid it resting directly on the leaves.

Common Pests

Some common pests that can plague pansies include slugs, snails, and aphids. Insecticidal soap offers a good line of defense against aphids. Slug and snail bait can ward off common pests. 

“The most notorious pests for pansies are slugs and snails,” Heinrich says. “They can be kept at bay by using a pet-safe slug and snail bait. In the spring, you may also have to spray for caterpillars. I like to use a rosemary or neem oil spray to keep flying or crawling insects away from pansies or violas.”

Are Pansies Poisonous to Pets?

Pansies are non-toxic, making them an excellent flower for pet owners. (However, rabbits and deer do eat pansies and love them, so if you treasure your flowers, install a tall fence or look into all-natural repellents.)

Source: realsimple.com