How to Care for Glacier Pansies

Care for glacier pansies so they will continue to bloom during the growing season.

Pansies are annuals or biennials, depending on their growing climate. The low-growing and hardy "glacier pansies" are both fragrant and edible. Glacier pansies, or icicle pansies, are able to recover quicker from cold weather than other pansy varieties, so that you can enjoy the plants for many months. When cared for properly, glacier pansies will bloom in the spring and the early fall.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid flower fertilizer
• Organic mulch
• Commercial slug and snail bait

Instructions

1. Plant the seedling glacier pansies in the fall in a well-drained and moist soil enriched with compost. They will need to receive six hours of full sunlight each day. Plant the pansies at least 6 inches apart.

2. Water the glacier pansies deeply twice a week so that the soil remains moist. Do not over-water the soil or it will become waterlogged and the plant may develop root rot.

3. Apply a liquid flower fertilizer once in the fall and again in the early spring by carefully following the directions on the fertilizer packaging.

4. Spread a 2-inch layer of an organic mulch around the pansies to help retain water. This will prevent weeds from growing around the pansies as well.

5. Pinch back faded flowers to deadhead the pansies. This will encourage new blooms.

6. Apply a commercial slug and snail bait to the glacier pansies to keep those pests away. If you live in a location with deer, you may want to install a fence to protect the pansies.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid planting glacier pansies in an area with high wind exposure.

• Do not plant pansies near a road where they will be exposed to road salt or standing water.

References

• Flowers and Garden: Pansies
• Icicle Pansy: Frequently Asked Questions
• Pick Ontario: Garden Pansies
• Icicle Pansy: Product Information