Growing Tips and Planting Ideas for Fall Pansies

Count on pansies for living color when temperatures tumble. First developed in England in 1812, pansies still reign as the cool weather color champion. New introductions include Cool Wave Spreading pansies (shown), which spreads 18 to 24 inches in planting beds. For a can’t-miss color show, fill beds with pansies in single colors, or buy what’s known as a “formula mix,” a custom color blend created by plant breeders to open in eye-pleasing shades. The lower bed (above) features a formula mix sold as Cool Wave Berries ‘N Creme Mixture spreading pansy.

For the best results in terms of color, cold hardiness and overall growth, buy pansies like landscapers do, picking up larger cell packs or 3- or 4-inch pots. These plants have bigger root balls, which means plants will take off more quickly in beds and containers. Check roots to make sure they’re healthy like this — having many white, fibrous roots on the outside of the root ball. The best time to plant pansies is when leaves on trees first start to change color. Soil temps should be between 45° F and 65° F.

Look for pansy formula mixes with color blends to suit every season. Panola Autumn Blaze pansy boasts blossoms in burgundy and gold, shades perfect for the fall. Panola pansies are multiflora types, which open smaller flowers on shorter stems, giving plants a thick covering of blooms. Panola is an overwintering pansy, the kind that garden centers guarantee to survive winter and usher in spring with fluttering flowers. Pansies in pots won’t survive winter in colder zones, where soil can freeze solid. For best winter survival, tuck Panola pansies into planting beds.

For chic fall flair, tuck pansies into pumpkins or other gourds. You can either plant directly into a pumpkin that you’ve hollowed out or slip a potted pansy into a pumpkin (which may help the pumpkin to last a little longer). A faux pumpkin is also a good low-maintenance option.