Pansies provide a colorful splash and require very little maintenance, which makes them a popular choice for home gardens. They can be used in garden beds, borders, ground cover areas and in containers. This flower prefers cooler temperatures and will brighten garden areas after other plants have faded.
Description
The botanical name for the pansy is Viola. It is available in a variety of species. Colors may be red, coral, yellow, purple, blue or a mixture of colors. The flower has a rounded shape with 5 petals. Often, the colorations on a pansy produce a sort of “face” that gives the flower a cheerful look. The foliage is compact with many stems, in a medium green color. Leaves are oval or heart-shaped and coarsely notched.
History
The pansy, and its parent genus viola, has been grown since ancient time. The Greeks used it medicinally. The pansy has been depicted in works of art and in literature. The pansy known today was cultivated in England. Lord Gambier and his gardener, William Thompson, crossbred various types of viola to produce unusual colors and to increase the flower size. These hybrid varieties became popular throughout Europe and in America. Today, plant scientists continue to develop new species with more colors and greater heat resistance.
Hardiness
Pansies grow best it temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 40 degrees at night. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 4 to 8 in northern areas. Pansies will grow and flower all winter in USDA Hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Planting Pansies
You can start pansy seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the ground is workable. Plant either indoors or in a cold frame, watering the soil first before sowing the seed. After they germinate, thin the plants to one inch apart. When they have developed 6 to 8 leaves, transplant outdoors in their permanent position. Plant in sun or part shade. Mixing processed manure into the soil will help to condition it and increase water retention. Use a 5-10-5 fertilizer to condition the soil when transplanting. Re-apply the fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers which produces soft foliage that is prone to rotting.
Pansy Care
Pansies dislike hot weather and need regular watering to survive dry, hot periods. They require at least 1 inch of water per week. Weed the pansy beds regularly. Weeds compete with pansies for nutrition in the soil and can cause the pansies to be spindly and weak. Remove old blooms to encourage more flower production. Leafhoppers, aphids and spider mites can attack pansy plants. Use a light insecticidal spray to keep these pests under control. For fungus problems that cause browning or rust on leaves, use a zineb fungicide product. Apply according to package directions.
Propagation
Using the seed from existing plants will not produce flowers exactly like the original plant. Generally, allowing the plant to go to seed will produce fewer flowers and those of a smaller size. You can also propagate by dividing the plants. Remove plants from the ground 6 weeks before the first frost and divide the root clumps. Taking cuttings to make new plants is not recommended.
Using pansies in your garden beds will provide you with weeks of color in late summer and fall. Experiment with the many different species to produce different effects.
