How to Get More Blooms From Pansies

As cool-weather annuals, pansies provide the most color to gardens in spring and fall. Flowering often declines in midsummer as the heat causes the plants to enter dormancy. While pansies are normally planted in full-sun beds, you can help the plants survive summer heat by providing some afternoon shade. In the cooler months, ensure your pansies remain at full bloom by keeping them healthy and well maintained.

Fertilizer
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Work a 5-10-10 fertilizer into the garden bed prior to planting the pansies. Apply the fertilizer at the package-recommended rate for your garden size.
- 2
  Plant pansies at the proper spacing for the variety, as growing them too closely together causes overcrowding that can inhibit blooming. Generally, space small-flowered types 6 to 8 inches apart and large-flowered types 10 to 12 inches apart.
- 3
  Water pansies in the morning when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid wetting the foliage and flowers, as wet foliage can cause fungal problems that affect blossoming. Watering in the morning ensures any wet foliage dries quickly.
- 4
  Pinch off the spent blossoms as soon as they begin to wilt. Remove the entire flower, including the swollen area between the stem and flower base. Flower removal prevents seed production and encourages more pansy blossoms.
- 5
  Weed the bed as needed, as weeds provide competition that robs water and nutrients from the pansies. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the pansy bed to help prevent weeds from rooting in the soil.

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