Pansies offer vibrant blooms and a sweet, delicate flavor that can elevate both your garden and your recipes. By choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil properly, and following best practices for planting and care, you can successfully understand pansies cultivation and grow these edible flowers at home.
Selecting Floral Varieties
When choosing pansies for your garden, consider blooming season, climate resilience, and sunlight needs. Popular options like Delta, Matrix, and Violet Beauregarde offer profuse flowers in spring and summer. For winter blooms, opt for cold-hardy Primula or Panola. Trailing Cascade pansies work well spilling from containers.
Pansy Varieties
There are many pansy varieties to choose from when planning your edible pansy garden. Here is an overview of some of the most popular options:
Cool Wave Pansies
- Height: 6-8 inches
- Blooming period: Spring to fall
- Cold tolerance: High
- Sun exposure needed: Full to partial sun
These spreading pansies are ideal for containers, baskets, and garden beds. They bloom profusely in spring and again in fall if deadheaded.
Delta Pansies
- Height: 6-8 inches
- Blooming period: Spring to fall
- Cold tolerance: Moderate
- Sun exposure needed: Full to partial sun
Delta pansies produce flowers in a wide range of bright colors. They make great border plants and grow well in containers.
Matrix Pansies
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Blooming period: Spring to summer
- Cold tolerance: High
- Sun exposure needed: Full to partial sun
Matrix pansies stay compact with good heat tolerance. They are known for early flowering and their unique blotched petals.
Panola Pansies
- Height: 5-7 inches
- Blooming period: Fall, winter, spring
- Cold tolerance: High
- Sun exposure needed: Full sun
These petite pansies handle cold weather extremely well, providing cheery color in late winter and early spring.
Primrose Pansies
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Blooming period: Winter, early spring
- Cold tolerance: Very high
- Sun exposure needed: Full sun
Primroses are among the first pansies to bloom in late winter and early spring. They continue blooming through summer heat.
Understanding Pansy Types
While pansies offer a spectrum of petal colors and patterns, some varieties stand out. Frill-edged Frizzle Sizzle cultivars offer ruffled blooms. For deeper hues, Black pansies produce flowers in rich burgundies and purples. Yellow-splashed Two-Face pansies show off contrasting color.
In addition to the variety differences in terms of height, blooming season, etc., there are some specific pansy types that have unique colors, petal shapes, or other distinctive features:
Black Pansies
Black pansies offer intensely dark purple flowers that appear nearly black. Modern breeding has expanded the color range to include various shades of deep red and purple.
Yellow Pansies
Bright yellow pansies provide early season color. Popular varieties include Majestic Giants and Padparadscha with darker yellow upper petals.
Two-Faced Pansies
These unique pansies have two distinct colors on the same flower, typically yellow edges combined with a contrasting purple, burgundy or orange face.
Trailing and Cascade Pansies
Trailing or cascade pansy varieties have a spreading, vine-like growth pattern that work very well in hanging baskets and window boxes, cascading beautifully over the edges.
Ruffled and Frizzy Pansies
Varieties with names like Frizzle Sizzle and Scorpion offer tightly ruffled or undulating petals for fun, frilly flowers.
Prepping the Planting Area
Pansies thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, loosen and smooth the soil, removing any debris. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. If needed, add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Soil Needs
When preparing soil for planting pansies, it’s important to understand their preferences:
- Soil Type: Pansies grow best in loamy soil that has a blend of sand, silt, and clay. Sandy loam or silt loam soil is ideal.
- Soil pH: Target a slightly acidic pH between 5.5-6.5. Pansies struggle in very alkaline soil.
- Drainage and Texture: Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent fungal issues. Incorporate organic matter to improve drainage in dense clay.
- Fertility and Nutrients: While pansies aren’t heavy feeders, a soil rich in organic matter will provide nutrients over time. Quick-release fertilizers can cause leggy growth.
By prepping soil correctly, you give pansies the optimal foundation right from the start. Pay extra attention to drainage and pH when planning new planting beds.
Amending Soil
Depending on your existing soil quality, amending the planting area for pansies is often needed:
If soil is too dense or clay-heavy:
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure
- Add horticultural sand or perlite
- Dig in gritty material to improve aeration and drainage
If soil pH is too alkaline (above 6.5):
- Incorporate aluminum sulfate or sulfur
- Use an acidic fertilizer to help lower pH over time
If soil is very sandy with poor nutrient retention:
- Work in 2-4 inches of compost, leaf mold or peat moss
- Top dress with a slow-release granular fertilizer
When amending soil, recheck the pH and drainage after mixing in amendments thoroughly. For in-ground planting, till amendments down 8-12 inches.
Sowing Seeds and Transplants
Pansies grow best when temperatures range between 45°F and 65°F. In warm regions, plant them in fall or early spring. Where winters are harsh, a September sowing allows roots to establish before the ground freezes. Space transplants 8 inches apart in sunny spots with rich, loosened soil.
When to Plant Pansies
Because pansies prefer cool weather, timing your planting correctly is important:
In Warm Climate Regions:
- Fall: August – September
- Spring: Late February – Early March
In Cool & Cold Climate Areas:
- Fall: Late September – Early October
- Spring: April
Avoid planting pansies in the heat of summer or when ground is frozen. Monitor weather forecasts closely in shoulder seasons.
How to Plant Pansies Properly
Follow these guidelines when planting pansies in the garden:
Seeds:
- Sow seeds directly in prepared soil 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Cover very lightly with 1/4 inch soil; keep moist
- Thin seedlings or transplant after 4-5 true leaves appear
Transplants:
- Harden off transplants for 7-10 days before planting
- Dig holes the same depth as root balls; don’t plant too deep
- Space pansies 6-8 inches apart in soil enriched with compost
- Water in new transplants very well initially
Proper planting depth, spacing, soil prep and watering ensures success. Transplants establish quicker but seeds are very rewarding.
Ongoing Care for Healthy Growth
To encourage strong pansy growth, provide at least 1 inch of water weekly and fertilize plants every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced formula. Protect plants from temperature extremes by offering shade shields or cold frames. Prune leggy growth and deadhead spent blooms to support flowering.
Watering Needs
- Water 1 inch per week as a general rule
- Check soil – if top 1″ is dry, pansies need watering
- Increase watering frequency during heat waves
- Avoid wetting foliage; can encourage diseases
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to conserve water
Fertilizer Requirements
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 fertilizer
- In very poor soil, supplement with side dressings of compost/manure
- Too much nitrogen leads to leggy growth rather than flowers
- Discontinue fertilizer 6 weeks before expected first frost
Temperature Protection
- Add floating row covers when overnight frost is expected
- Prevent wilting and leaf scorch by using shade cloth in intense sun
- Move containers to sheltered areas during high heat and winds
- In zones with very cold winters, treat pansies as annuals or overwinter containers indoors
Pruning and Deadheading
- Prune back leggy growth 1/3 to 1/2 to encourage branching
- Deadhead spent blooms weekly by pinching flowers off stems
- Cut back severely declining plants to promote new growth
- Remove damaged leaves promptly to prevent diseases
Caring properly for pansies encourages an extended season of vibrant flowers. Pay close attention to their water, temperature and fertilizer requirements.
Reaping Vibrantly-Hued Blooms
Harvest pansies in early morning when petals are firmest. Choose fully opened flowers free of insect damage or disease. Gently wash and store the blooms in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When to Harvest Pansies
- Best time is early morning after dew has dried
- Blooms should be fully open and vibrantly colored
- Avoid harvesting in rainy weather
What to Look for When Harvesting
- Inspect each flower and remove any with signs of disease or damage
- Choose flowers that have good clarity and intensity of color
- Older, fading flowers will be weaker in flavor
How to Harvest Pansies
- Use clean and sharp scissors/pruners that won’t crush stems
- Cut each stem at a slight angle for better water uptake
- Remove extra foliage that would sit below waterline
Post-Harvest Care
- Gently wash blooms; pat dry with paper towels
- Carefully place flowers in container without crushing
- Refrigerate harvested pansies for up to one week
Proper harvesting and post-harvest care retains flavor and extends vase life of edible pansies. Select young, vibrant blooms just opening for best quality.
Capturing Flavor and Beauty
The options for cooked pansies are wide open. Float them in lemonade or craft floral syrup. Crystallize blooms with egg whites and sugar. Infuse vinegars or butter with their mild sweetness. Freeze whole flowers into ice cubes to float in summer drinks. However you use them, pansies offer a feast for the eyes and palate.
How to Prepare Edible Pansies
Edible pansies have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and delicate texture that lends itself to many culinary uses:
- Rinse and gently dry fresh pansy blooms thoroughly before using.
- Add whole flowers to green, fruit, chicken, and tuna salads for a pop of color and flavor.
- Float individual blooms in drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, and fruit-infused water.
- Freeze pansies suspended in ice cube trays to use in beverages for a beautiful garnish.
- Candy pansy blooms by crystallizing them with beaten egg whites and superfine sugar for dessert decorations.
Fun and Creative Pansy Recipes
The beauty and delicate flavor of pansies inspires creativity in edible presentations. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Pansy Lemonade – Infuse a simple lemon syrup with fresh pansies. Mix with cold water and lemon juice over ice.
- Pansy Panna Cotta – Gently fold pansies into sweetened cream and gelatin mix before chilling in decorative glasses.
- Pansy Petal Sorbet – Puree pansy petals into a simple syrup and passion fruit mixture. Churn in an ice cream maker.
- Vietnamese Pansy Salad Rolls – Stuff soaked rice paper wrappers with herbs, rice vermicelli, shrimp and pansies.
- Lavender-Pansy Cupcakes – Swirl pansy buttercream frosting atop cupcakes baked with dried lavender buds.
- Frozen Pansy Cocktail – Combine pansy-infused gin with rose water, lemon juice and elderflower liqueur. Partially freeze in popsicle molds.
The options are endless for using the splendor and simplicity of homegrown, edible pansies. Let your creativity run wild!
Growing Success
With proper care and optimal conditions, homegrown pansies will reward you with months of vivid color and sweet edible blooms. Just be sure to give them plenty of sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent moisture. Protect them from temperature extremes and prune back spent flowers. Then enjoy watching your patio pots and garden beds burst into vibrant flower.
Tips for Growing Pansy Success
Here are helpful tips for achieving success with pansies:
Site Selection
- Choose a spot with full sun (minimum 6 hours a day)
- Protect planting site from strong winds if possible
Soil Preparation
- Loosen soil to 12+ inches depth; remove weeds/debris
- Mix in 2-4 inches of aged compost or well-rotted manure
- Improve drainage by adding organic material
Planting
- Sow seeds early spring 2 months before last frost
- Or plant transplants after danger of hard frost has passed
- Space pansies 6-12 inches apart depending on variety
Watering
- Water 1 inch per week; never allow soil to fully dry out
- Avoid overhead watering that can encourage diseases
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to conserve water
Fertilization
- Fertilize blooming plants every 4-6 weeks with balanced fertilizer
- Sprinkle 1 Tbs bone meal into planting hole at planting for steady nutrients
Temperature Protection
- Shield plants from heat and wind; provide shade covers as needed
- Protect from hard frost and freezing temperatures
- In cold zones, mulch heavily for insulation or treat as annuals
Maintenance
- Prune leggy growth back by 1/3 to 1/2 to encourage more flowers
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering season
- Weed and tidy up planting site regularly
By following these pansy success tips, you’ll be rewarded with vigorous, long-lasting plants and gorgeous edible blooms.
