Annie YoungAs we head into the colder months, flower beds can often start to look a little stark. Luckily, winter flowering pansies are a simple and reliable way to brighten up the Park on those darker days.
Ideally, we plant our pansy seeds in borders or pots during September and early October – this gives them a better chance to grow sturdy roots and flowers. The lingering warmth in the soil during this pre-winter period helps to support faster growth and will prepare our pansies for producing more flowers over winter.
A hardy species, winter pansies will flower for the majority of the winter season and into spring even when planted in late October or November.
Though they prefer sun, pansies also grow well in partial shade meaning that even in these darker months they will yield a display. However, it is worth noting that pansies planted later on are less likely to survive harsh winter weather because they have had less time to develop robust roots.
To lengthen the blooming period of our pansies, we will pinch out flower heads that have finished blooming to ensure that nutrients aren’t wasted. These removed heads will grow new buds, producing more flowers that will last for a longer period.
Pansies grow better in the sunshine so when we plant them we ensure that they’re facing the sun to help them thrive.
Winter flowering pansies are bred to withstand frosty temperatures, drooping during harsher conditions and rebounding when temperatures rise.
If properly planted and well cared for, winter pansies can last for three years or more.
The difference between winter pansies and summer varieties is that winter breeds are hardier to ensure they survive the colder conditions.
We are looking forward to seeing colour at the Park all the way through the Winter months.
