Growing Tips and Planting Ideas for Pansies

Count on pansies for living color when temperatures are chilly. First developed in England in 1812, pansies still reign as the cool weather color champion.

This spreading-type pansy provides a colorful edging for planting beds. Pair it with grass-like leatherleaf sedge for a season-long show that keeps going strong even during cold temps. For pansies in beds, fertilize at planting time with water-soluble plant food to give plants a solid start. In warmer zones, don't give pansies a high-nitrogen fertilizer during September or plants may stretch.

For the best results in terms of color, cold hardiness and overall growth, buy pansies like landscapers do, picking up larger cell packs or 3- or 4-inch pots. These plants have bigger root balls, which means plants will take off more quickly in beds and containers. Check roots to make sure they’re healthy like this — having many white, fibrous roots on the outside of the root ball. The best time to plant pansies is when leaves on trees first start to change color. Soil temps should be between 45° F and 65° F.

Decorate walls and doors with a living pansy wreath. This DIY project is easy to make and even easier to maintain. Line a wire wreath form with sphagnum moss or coir, fill it with a container planting mix then insert the pansies. For the best blooms, display your wreath in a south-facing spot during fall and spring. In summer, an eastern exposure helps protect plants from the strongest sun. Deadhead pansies regularly to keep flowers coming. Water regularly.

Promote your favorite pansy to hold court as a pretty centerpiece at the family table. Newer Cool Wave varieties are a type of spreading pansy that naturally tumbles over the pot edge, neatly blanketing all exposed soil with eye-catching blossoms. This sunny bloomer is called Cool Wave Golden Yellow.