Ideal for fall gardens, pansies offer a colorful display for almost six months – in the fall when they are planted, in the winter during a stretch of sunny days, and again in the spring! With so much color to enjoy in so many ways, fall and winter pansies should be a staple of any garden and will bring great gardening joy to the landscape even during colder, dreary months.
When to Plant Pansies For Fall
Pansies are a fantastic choice for Virginia gardens, offering a vibrant display of color for an extended period. To enjoy blooms throughout the fall, winter, and spring, consider the following planting schedule:
- Fall Planting: Plant pansies in mid-September to early October to enjoy their beauty through the fall and into the winter.
- Successive Plantings: For continuous blooms, make multiple plantings spaced a week or two apart. This will ensure a steady supply of colorful flowers throughout the season.
Planting Pansies
- Prep: Choose a planting location that is well-drained and works in 4-6 inches of rich organic matter, such as Meadows Farms Planting Mix or peat moss.
- Plant: Plant pansies at about the same level, or slightly higher, than they were growing in their market packs or containers, taking care not to plant too deep or the plants may wilt and rot and the roots could smother.
- Maintenance: After planting, mulch and water the bed thoroughly. Remember to check the plants often during the first three weeks after planting or until new growth begins, to ensure adequate moisture necessary for healthy growth. Because these plants require very little care, no further maintenance is usually necessary for them to reach their full potential.
Where to Plant Pansies
Pansies are incredibly versatile and can be used to enhance various areas of your garden or landscape. Here are some of our favorite planting ideas:
- Along Paths and Walls: Add a graceful drift of single-colored pansies or a mass of mixed colors to brighten a border, under a tree or along a fence, pathway, deck, or wall.
- Garden Borders: Try tucking single plants in garden beds around perennials and shrubs that have finished blooming to brighten up an otherwise dreary section of the landscape and to help mask older, spent growth.
- Container: Pansies also do well in containers placed on a deck or patio or next to the entrance of your home to greet your guests with welcoming colors.
- Hanging Baskets: Try pansies in a hanging basket and you can even move them indoors to enjoy when the weather is too poor for outdoor gardening.
- As a Gift: A small container of fall pansies can also be a great gift for winter holidays, birthdays, or just to brighten the day for anyone who could use a touch of color in their life.
Shop Pansies for Fall Planting
Visit any of our local garden centers in Virginia, Maryland, or West Virginia to explore a stunning array of fall pansies. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect varieties for your garden and provide expert guidance on planting and care.