Outdoor Planters of Pansies in Late Winter

Care

• Plant pansies in the fall, about six weeks before the last expected frost, so they have time to develop strong roots. You could also plant them in late winter. For planters, use a lightweight soil-less potting mix made from vermiculite, peat or perlite. Water pansies weekly during dry weather throughout the winter because the soil in planters tends to dry out quickly and the roots may become dessicated. Fertilize pansies with a balanced fertilizer one week after planting and when they start blooming in late winter.

Blooms

• Pansies are among the first flowers to bloom, showing their cheery faces in late winter to early spring. Expect blooms when daytime temperatures rise to 60 degrees F and nighttime temperatures are around 40 degrees F. Plant pansies in full sun for best display. In shade, they become spindly and do not bloom well. Pansies come in a variety of colors and sizes, including giant multi-colored types. Plant several selections for a cheery garden display. Remove faded blossoms to encourage more blooming and keep the plant looking tidy.

Winter Hardiness

• Tough, resilient pansies are hardy between U.S. Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, and will survive all but the coldest winter weather. However, planters lack the insulating power of the soil and pansies in planters should be considered hardy only to zone 5 or 6.

Solutions

• Pansies in planters survive light freezes, but may not endure several hard freezes. If you live in an area with cold winters, plant pansies in the ground in the fall, rather than in planters. Wait to plant pansies in planters until late winter. Even in more moderate areas, pansies in planters may need winter protection. Mulch the planters with two to three inches of straw or wood chips to protect the plants or store the planters in the garage during cold weather.