What Is Eating My Pansies Off?

Pansies come in a variety of colors.

Although a relatively trouble-free plant, pansies are sometimes eaten by aphids, slugs and sparrows, which sometimes eat off the head of the flower.

Prevention/Solution

Slugs commonly feed on plants at night.

Discourage aphid invasion by spraying plants with a mixture of 15 parts water to 1 part dish soap and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Discourage slugs by removing mulch, which promotes overly moist conditions. Sparrows may be discouraged by spraying plants with a mixture of water and ashes from cigarettes.

Identification

Bloom sizes commonly range from 1.5 to 4 inches across.

Pansies are known for their five petals and round shape. They typically come in one of three color patterns: solid yellow or blue, a single color with black lines coming from the center, and a solid color with a dark center.

Habitat

Pansies naturally grow in the South and Southwest during the winter months and in the North during the summer months. Pansies are annuals, which need to be planted every year; they prefer to be planted in full sun.

Tips

To encourage healthy soil, do not plant pansies in the same area more than three years in a row.

Fun Facts

Pansies are completely edible and are commonly added to foods as a garnish.

References

• Clemson.edu: Pansy Disease & Insect Pests
• Flower Expert: Pansies
• Grows On You: What Eats My Pansy Heads?

Resources

• Green Light Write: Pansies