In the winter I usually turn to Pansies for the cheery color blooms. They are hardy in California winter, because we don’t have below freezing weather. Pansies prefer cooler weather any ways, so they do very well through the dreary months. Below are some tips and facts about Pansies.

1) Remove the spent flower heads to encourage more flowering.
2) Mulch the root area during the hot months to conserve moisture.
3) Cut the plants back when the weather turns cool, Pansies will show a second bloom in the fall.
4) Pansies can be brought out a month before the frost free date in your area.
5) When the weather falls below freezing, applying a layer of straw mulch will protect the plant
through the colder temperature.
6) Pansies perform best in cooler weather.
7) They like well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.
8) Pansies should be placed in an area with full sun or partial shade.
9) Pansies are hardy and are beginning gardener friendly.
10) Pansies were known as Johnny-jump-up.

About two Christmases ago, we had a family reunion and I wanted to bring some cheerfulness and warmth to our deck. I bought some Pansies and planted them in my large pots for color. They did their job and more, the plants survived through the rough rainy season and kept blooming for me throughout the summer. They could flower twice in a year with proper care. There are a variety of colors and shades, and exceptionally beautiful looking in garden borders. They are one of the hardiest plants and are beginning gardeners’ dream, so give them a try if you haven’t already.







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