Good Time to Plant Pansies
A popular spring flower, the best time for planting pansies arises in the fall, bringing a plethora of colorful flowers to the garden at the time of planting and again in early spring for a bright display against a world transitioning from winter's dormant state to the lively hues of warmer weather. Planting pansies at the proper time and maintaining plant requirements will guide your fall-planted pansies into new life at spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Plant Description
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Technically a viola hybrid, pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) grow as annuals or short-lived perennials. With one of the widest ranges of colors available, you can purchase pansies in a rainbow of colors including multicolored ones. Some varieties have ruffled or crinkled edges and others have blotches of color in the center. Others even produce flowers up to 4 inches in diameter. More than 300 varieties exist to choose from, according to the University of Georgia Extension Service.
Planting Time
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Planting time for pansies depends mainly on your location and zone. The further north you live, the earlier you need to put your pansies in the ground. Early establishment provides a foundation for pansies to withstand the cold temperatures and harsh winds of winter. Milder zones, according to Better Homes and Gardens, have a wider window of planting time.
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Planting Requirements
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Ideal soil temperatures help designate the proper planting time for pansies. The University of Georgia Extension Service writes that soil temperatures should measure between 45 and 65 degrees F. Planting pansies when the soil temperature falls under 45 degrees F results in weak, stunted growth.
Milder Zones
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In the milder zones 7 and above, pansies grow best when planted in October or even as late as early November. These plants usually stay green all winter in milder zones, producing a beautiful display of flowers when the weather starts to warm.
Cooler Zones
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In cooler zones, 4, 5 and 6, the best fall planting time for pansies comes in September. Some varieties, like Delta, Icicle and Maxim, endure cold weather better than others. Planting hardy varieties in cooler zones will help ensure early spring flowers. Plus, overwintered pansies give a better show of flowers.
Preparing for Cold
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No matter which zone you live in, good soil drainage and mulching provide keys to successfully overwintering pansies. Mulching not only helps to protect plants from cold, but it retains moisture in the soil. According to the University of Georgia Extension Service, adding a couple inches of fine-textured mulch, like pine straw, works the best to stay around the plants and lock in moisture.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pansy image by Aidairi from Fotolia.com
