How to Care for Pansies in Cold Climates
Pansies are popular garden flowers known for their tolerance of cold temperatures and colorful blooms. However, they can be damaged or killed by extreme cold, so it’s important to take steps to protect them during winter.
What Temperature Will Kill Pansies?
Both soil and air temperature affect pansy health. Air temperatures below 25°F for just a few hours can send them into dormancy, and temperatures below 20°F can cause plants to die back completely. Frozen soil and drying winter winds can also contribute to plant loss.
How to Prepare Pansies for Cold Temperatures
- Choose the right location: Plant pansies in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily and is protected from cold winds.
- Amend the soil: Pansies prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and fertility.
- Mulch: A thick layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, helps to retain moisture and insulate the roots from cold temperatures.
- Water regularly: Pansies require consistently moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize: Fertilize pansies every two to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
How to Care for Pansies Through Winter
- Protect from frost: Cover pansies with row covers or blankets when frost is forecast.
- Water regularly: Check the soil regularly for moisture and water pansies when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilize: Fertilize potted pansies every two weeks and bedding plants monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.
- Deadhead: Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Will Pansies Come Back After a Freeze?
Pansies grown in southern climates are more likely to survive an occasional freeze and even bounce back when covered with snow. However, pansies grown in colder climates may be damaged or killed by extended periods of freezing temperatures.
If your pansies have been frozen, don’t give up on them just yet. Once temperatures warm up a bit and plants receive sufficient sun, they may begin to form new buds and recover.
How to Revive Pansies After Frost
- Remove damaged foliage: Remove any damaged flowers or foliage that has turned mushy or black.
- Water deeply: Make sure the soil is kept moist.
- Prune lightly: Prune back any remaining damaged foliage once the danger of frost has passed and plants begin to put out new growth.
- Fertilize: Feed pansies with a fertilizer high in phosphorus to help them recover from the cold stress.
Tips for Growing Pansies in Cold Climates
- Choose cold-hardy varieties: Some pansy varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. Look for varieties that are labeled as “winter pansies” or “ice pansies.”
- Start pansies indoors: Start pansies indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This will give them a head start and help them to develop strong roots before being transplanted outdoors.
- Harden off pansies: Gradually expose pansies to outdoor conditions for a week or two before transplanting them. This will help them to acclimate to the colder temperatures.
- Plant pansies deeply: When transplanting pansies, plant them deeply, so that the base of the plant is slightly below the soil surface. This will help to protect the roots from cold temperatures.
- Protect pansies from wind: Plant pansies in a sheltered location, such as near a building or foundation shrub, to protect them from cold, drying winds.
By following these tips, you can help your pansies survive the winter and enjoy their beautiful blooms all season long.