Pansies – The Year Round Flower – Ag Matters

Pansies may be the perfect flower for CNY.  They like cooler temperatures and grow in sun or shade.  The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension say they have a great history too.

Pansies are one of the most popular flowers today. These little charmers have been around for almost two centuries. In fact, pansies can be found in the poetry of 16th and 17th century England, including writings by Shakespeare. Today there are over 400 varieties of these cheerful flowers.

Pansies are excellent choices for low borders or in containers. Place them in between other flowers and plants. They bloom heavily in spring and will continue to flower into the summer. They are cooler weather plants; that's why you can buy them in both the spring and the fall.

Pansies prefer rich, well-drained soil and will grow in full sun or part shade. They will flower for a longer period if spent flower heads are removed. During hot summer months, cut the plants back and mulch to conserve moisture. When the cooler fall weather returns, pansies will reward you with a second show of blooms. Slugs can be a problem if the weather is wet; sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the plants. Keep soil evenly moist; if needed, water in the morning to help prevent disease issues.

Because pansies are so hardy, plants can be set out a month before the frost-free date. Fall-planted pansies will rebloom in the spring. A layer of straw mulch applied as soon as temperatures drop below freezing in the fall will protect the plants through winter. Wherever you plant them, pansies will put a smile on your face.

For more information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County’s Horticulture Hot Line Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm at 736-3394.
SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension

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