Pansies, those delightful little flowers with faces, are a true gardener’s gem. Perfect for beginners, these colourful flowers are easy to grow, don’t demand a lot of space, and thrive in a variety of conditions. They’ll bring a burst of colour to your pots, hanging baskets, or border displays for up to 7 months!
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to plant and care for pansies with Wonder products and teach you a few fun facts along the way.
Why plant pansies
- Long-lasting: Enjoy blooms through most of the year, no matter the season.
- All-season colour: Plant pansies throughout the year for a continuous display of colour.
- Easy on the eyes (and the stomach): Pansies come in a variety of colours, from classic blue, pink, purple, yellow, red and white to bicoloured blooms with a mixture of shades. Plus, their edible flowers can be an interesting addition to salads or miniature arrangements.
- Variety is the spice of life: Choose from a range of flower sizes, from giant (X-Large pansies) to dainty petite flowers. The ever-popular medium-large varieties are particularly prolific, with a single plant producing hundreds of blooms over its lifespan (up to 600 with deadheading!).
When to sow
Timing is key
Sow seeds in late summer to late autumn for a colourful garden in winter. Pansies are winter warriors, and can often make it through winter into spring.
Sun needs
Pansies appreciate sunshine but it’s best to avoid the harsh afternoon heat. Therefore, try opt for a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Spacing it out
When planting, consider the season. In summer and autumn, space plants further apart (15cm for bush varieties, 20-25cm for trailing ones) to allow for growth. In colder months, plants naturally grow less, so you can space them closer together (10cm for bush, 15cm for trailing).
Pansy care
Seeing your pansies flourish, is a surefire way to bring a smile to any gardener’s face. With minimal care, these easy-going flowers will fill your garden with joy and colour.
Soil love
Pansies love well-draining, loamy soil enriched with compost. When planting in pots, use a good quality plant starter like Wonder Plant Starter All Purpose. In the garden, enrich the soil with organic matter like Wonder Vita-Boost.
Watering
It’s important to water your pansies regularly, aiming for the soil rather than the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Pansies prefer deep watering, only watering again once the surface has dried.
Feeding
Regular feeding ensures abundant flowers. You can feed them throughout the growing season. For pansies planted in pots, apply Wonder Shake ‘n Grow Special Fertiliser. To further extend the flowering period of your pansies, especially after heavy rain, apply Wonder Fruit & Flower Fertiliser.
Deadheading
To encourage new flowers, pinch off dead flowers with your fingers or gardening scissors. This simple technique is called deadheading. Deadheading not only encourages more flowers but also keeps your plants looking tidy.
Pansy problems
Watch out for common garden pests like aphids and slugs, which can munch on your pansy leaves. Insecticides can help remove aphids, while for slug control, try organic methods like spreading crushed eggshells. Watch for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which appears as white spots on the leaves. To prevent fungal diseases, apply a fungicide when symptoms are noticed.
Pansies are a delightful and rewarding addition to any garden. With their easy-going nature, bright blooms, and long flowering season, they’re perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. By following these simple tips on planting, feeding, and caring for your pansies, you can enjoy a cheerful burst of colour in your garden for most of the year. So get planting, feed your plants with Wonder plant food, and embrace a colourful pansy-filled garden.
