Pansies grown in Central Virginia, are a cool season annual. Pansies can be planted in the fall from late August until approximately Thanksgiving and in spring starting in late February. Planted either time they should bloom until late May or early June.

When the weather becomes very warm (mid 80's) they usually start to become leggy and look pretty bad. They should be removed and replaced with summer annuals.

Pansies like a well-drained, sunny location. They respond well to a light application of fertilizer every 2 or 3 weeks during the growing season. They do not need fertilizer during the winter. Pansies will bloom all winter except during the very coldest periods.  During a really cold spell they may look as if they draw up or shrivel, however, after a few days of warm, sunny weather they will come right back in bloom. Pansies are equally easy to grow in pots. Growing location and care is similar in pots or in the ground. Naturally, you will need to water pots more often than you would water plants in the ground.

Think about planting a pot or bed of pansies in your school colors. Need ideas for other special occasions talk to Jessica.