August 1996
Pansies are popular, cool-weather garden flowers. They come in a wide range of colors, markings, and sizes. The ideal temperature range for pansies is 40F at night to 60F during the day. They produce their best flower show in the spring, then fade during the hot, summer weather, when they are usually removed and annuals planted in their place.
In the spring, there should be enough rain to provide adequate moisture for pansies (about 1 inch of water once a week). During the warmer growing season, you may need to irrigate to maintain an adequate moisture level and to water-in fertilizer when it is applied. Never water pansies in the late afternoon or evening since this encourages disease development.
In early winter and again in March, apply a 5-10-5 fertilizer. Avoid high levels of nitrogen because it can cause plants to produce soft foliage and to rot easily. Many gardeners use an organic fertilizer which gives a slow release over many months.
During the growing season, an application of 5-10-5 fertilizer every three or four weeks will help give you bigger, brighter flowers on sturdy plants. An average rate is about 1 pound per 50 square feet of pansy bed. Liquid fertilizer can also be used. Always check the application directions on the fertilizer label, and, if there is one, on the label from the package in which your pansy seed or plants came. Follow these directions carefully when applying fertilizer.
(Originally published as "Growing Pansies," Home and Garden Bulletin No. 149, U.S.D.A.)