Pansies are cool-season workhorses, bringing cheerful color to spring and fall when not much else is blooming.
But all that blooming may leave you wondering: are pansies perennials?
But, technically, they areshort-lived perennials.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Pansies vs. Violas vs. Pansies, on the other hand, havelarge, showy bloomsbut are short-lived perennials that often behave as annuals.
Alternatively, many gardeners opt to plant pansies in the spring once the soil is workable.
Choose a location in full or part sun with good drainage.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Work in somecompostand loosen the soil.
Make a hole and plant pansies at the same depth as in the container.
Firm up the soil around them and water them well.
Add a layer of mulch around them to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
When planting pansies, warm-climate gardeners should opt for sunny spots with afternoon shade.
However, pansies take a while to germinate, so you’ll want to plan ahead and be patient.
When the seedlings are robust and the weather has warmed, they are ready totransplant to the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most pansies can withstand temperatures down to about 5F.
To help pansies survive chilly temps, provide a thick layer of mulch before bitter cold weather sets in.
Six inches of straw works well, but shredded leaves or other organic material will also help.
Yes,pansies are edible.
They can add flavor to a simple syrup and can even be dehydrated or frozen for future use.
The flowers taste faintly like mint or wintergreen.
Pansies bloom until the summer heat or a heavy frost knocks them back.
The show will last for many weeks with the right weather.Deadheading themencourages new flowers.
Unfortunately, deer eat pansies, and rabbits like them too.
If you have four-legged plant nibblers, trydeer repellentsorother methodsto keep your pansies safe.
