Few plants can brighten the winter landscape like the pansy. From fall until late spring, pansies grace our southern gardens with their multicolored flowers. A cool season annual, pansies are cold-hardy and carefree, making them the most popular annual grown in Georgia.
Pansies planted in the fall will grow twice as large and produce more flowers than those planted in late winter or early spring. Early planting encourages root development before cold weather arrives. Purchase vigorous plants that have healthy green foliage and are free of insects and diseases.
Like most annuals and perennials, pansies need to be planted in well-drained soils. If the roots stay wet through the winter, the plants will rot. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure and planting in raised-beds will ensure good drainage. Choose a sight where pansies will receive at least six hours of sun. If plants are growing shadier areas they will produce fewer flowers.
Pansies are heavy feeders throughout their winter growing season. Select a timed-released fertilizer like "Pansy Booster" that contains nitrogen nitrates. This is the only form that can be absorbed by plants when the soil temperature drops below 45 degrees.
Water regularly when the weather is dry and apply mulch to protect the root system and retain moisture.
Please visit http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/pansies
"Success with Pansies in the Winter Landscape: A Guide for the Landscape Professional."
The University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences-Corporative Extension Service
Kathy Seals
Horticulture Program Assistant/Master Gardener Coordinator
Hall County Extension Service
Office: 770-535-8292
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tuesday
May 14th, 2024
1:12PM
