Pansies for Winter

It’s time to move past the heat of summer and start thinking more “cooler” thoughts. The leaves are beginning to change, the mosquitoes are starting to quiet down and many annual plants are nearing the end of their growing season. This time of year, many gardeners are looking to add some winter color to their beds and containers. Of course, no other plant ushers in the fall and winter seasons better than the tried and true garden classic: the pansy. At Fairview, we have a wonderful selection of this garden favorite; our greenhouses are chock full of Fairview-grown pansies ­--- a sea of color offering choices that are sure to please everyone! Choose from solid color, bicolored and tricolored options in bedding flats, six-packs and various container sizes.

Planting for Winter Color and Texture
Do you have containers that are full of spent summer annuals? Bring them to life with pansies and some of our wonderful companion plants. With dozens of companion plants to choose from --- from ivies and creeping figs for a trailing effect to smaller evergreens for height, the possibilities are truly endless. Beds and mailbox areas can become mosaic masterpieces simply by adding a few pansies... it’s so easy!

Pansy Care
If you’re new to growing pansies, then you are certainly in for a treat. Next to being so cold hardy, their ease-of-care has proven to be one their pivotal features. With a little pansy know-how, you will be on your way to success! First, make sure your, planter, hanging basket or annual bed is well amended. Most potting soils work great for planters and hanging baskets. Beds can be a little trickier. First, break up any compacted soil. If the ground has a lot of clay material (and it probably does here in North Carolina) then you want to amend it with a soil conditioner to provide more organic matter and better drainage.

When planting, many gardeners allow a spacing of about six inches. Although, some choose to plant them a little closer to achieve more instant gratification. It is important to water and fertilize your new plants when you first put them in the ground. We recommend a specially formulated bedding plant fertilizer that has a high phosphorous content (middle number on the fertilizer packaging). At Fairview, we offer a Ferti-lome product that has a fertilizer ratio of 7-22-8. Note the high middle number; it is this high phosphorous number that is going to keep your pansies happy and blooming.

Like other seasons, this time of year guarantees to be colorful at Fairview. Mixes of yellow, orange and red say fall is finally here, while shades of blue and purple confess that cooler weather is on the way. It can often be a challenge to find plants that work well together, look great and stay beautiful all winter. Stop by Fairview and let our experts help you with your winter project. Good luck with all of your winter ventures and remember --- life’s a garden, dig it!

See You in the Greenhouse!
Brian Jennings
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center