Pansy 'Happy faces'

Pansies can be planted out in the autumn to bring some color in the dull environment before the snow and will winter over.

Pansies survive very cool temperatures without being killed. They can be planted outdoors in Autumn and with little protection, will winter over and bloom when the days begin to lengthen and the sun warms.

They wake up again in Spring and display their great colors once again, until the summer heat switch them off. Pansies do best in Spring, but often fade during Summer, and bloom again in Autumn.

In locations where the snow covers the ground during the coldest part of the winter, cover the plants with a layer pine straw or evergreen boughs. The snow will act like a blanket and protect the pansies from damaging cold temperatures.

Pansies are well known for being self-seeders. You can collect seeds by cutting the entire plant after blooming stopped. Dry the pansies and collect the tiny seeds.

For best results, fertilise regularly.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys partial sun and remember to water moderately. Happy faces is generally regarded as a hardy plant, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.

Start the seeds indoors and keep the tray well watered. Sow indoors 1/4 inch deep, 8 weeks before planting out. Seeds will germinate in 10-14 days and grow up pretty fast. The seedlings can be pinched back to encourage bush type development of the plants. Pinch off the growing tip of new branches. New side branches will develop. ¹

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Happy faces about 90 days before your last frost date.

Transplant outdoors when the spring temperatures are still cool.
Cultivate to a depth of 15 cm. Add organic matter before planting and fertilize

Provide weekly waterings to grow strong plants and good flowering. Remove spent flowers on a regular basis to extend the blooming period. The more flowers you pick, the more they bloom.

Do not transplant young pansies with less than five leaves (without counting the two initial leaves).¹

Happy faces is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

Violas,

¹ Oh My Garden