Pansies

By Judy Miller April 23, 2003 – Posted in: Plant info

Oh, I love pansies. I have been on a quest the past few years to find the hardiest varieties available as they used to be more reliable to overwinter. Turns out the majority of pansy breeding is now done in Japan which is mild by Idaho standards but Stokes and some others still produce some varieties which over winter well here. This year I am trialling several more too. I usually sow them in March if it is just for me but to grow for market I sow them in January; my crop is only now budding a bit and the first Market is Saturday! Aiee!

About the Author

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4b/5aLocation: rural; just south of British Columbia/Idaho borderGeographic type: foot of Black & Clifty Mountains (foothills of Rockies–the Wet Columbia Mountains in BC climate- speak)Soil type:acid sand (glacial lake bed)/coniferous forestExperience level: intermediate/professionalParticular interests: fragrant & edible plants, hardy bulbs, cottage gardening, alpines, peonies, penstemons & other blue flowers, primulas, antique & species roses & iris; nocturnal flowers Also: owner of Paradise Gardens Rare Plant Nursery

Pansies 2

‘As Kingfishers Catch Fire’

In its own way, frost may be one of the most beautiful things to happen in your garden all year . . . Don’t miss it. Like all true beauty, it is fleeting. It will grace your garden for but a short while this morning. . . . For this moment, embrace frost as the beautiful gift that it is.

~Philip Harnden in A Gardener’s Guide to Frost: Outwit the Weather and Extend the Spring and Fall Seasons

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