Pansies thrive in cold temperatures and even tolerate light snow.
To grow cold-hardy pansies successfully in our area, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Variety
Select winter-hardy pansies, such as the Delta, Matrix, or Cool Wave series, which tolerate frost and rebound after freezing temperatures.
Plant at the Right Time
In fall, plant pansies at least 6 weeks before the first frost to establish strong roots.
In early spring, plant as soon as the soil is workable.
Pick a Sunny Location
Pansies grow best in full to partial sun (at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily).
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Use Well-Draining Soil
Pansies prefer rich, loose soil with good drainage. Add compost to improve soil fertility. It's ok to crowd pansy plants together - they don't mind at all. Don't mound soil up over the crown of the plant - soil just at the level as the crown is good.
Water and Mulch
Keep the soil moist but not soggy—pansies don’t like to dry out. INsufficient watering is a common mistake - if the plants looks wilted, they need water.
Apply a thin layer of mulch (straw or pine needles work great) to insulate roots from temperature swings.
Fertilize for Strong Growth
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every few weeks for continuous blooms.
Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leaves over flowers.
Protect from Extreme Cold
Pansies survive light snow and frost, but in deep freezes (below 20°F/-7°C), cover them with burlap or frost cloth for extra protection. If the forecast calls for an especially harsh cold snap, mulch heavily or grow in containers that can be moved to shelter like a garage or shed.
By following these steps, your cold-hardy pansies will bloom beautifully and brighten up early spring gardens!
Pansy varieties to choose for planting this time of year
For Colorado winters, the best pansies are varieties like Blue Velvet and Northern Lights which are considered hardy and can withstand the state's colder temperatures; other good options include Matrix, Viola Tricolor, and Cool Wave pansies, all known for their ability to thrive in Colorado's sometimes unpredictable weather.
Choose the Right Variety
Select winter-hardy pansies, such as the Delta, Matrix, or Cool Wave series, which tolerate frost and rebound after freezing temperatures.
Plant at the Right Time
In fall, plant pansies at least 6 weeks before the first frost to establish strong roots.
In early spring, plant as soon as the soil is workable.
Pick a Sunny Location
Pansies grow best in full to partial sun (at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily).
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Use Well-Draining Soil
Pansies prefer rich, loose soil with good drainage. Add compost to improve soil fertility. It's ok to crowd pansy plants together - they don't mind at all. Don't mound soil up over the crown of the plant - soil just at the level as the crown is good.
Water and Mulch
Keep the soil moist but not soggy—pansies don’t like to dry out. INsufficient watering is a common mistake - if the plants looks wilted, they need water.
Apply a thin layer of mulch (straw or pine needles work great) to insulate roots from temperature swings.
Fertilize for Strong Growth
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every few weeks for continuous blooms.
Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leaves over flowers.
Protect from Extreme Cold
Pansies survive light snow and frost, but in deep freezes (below 20°F/-7°C), cover them with burlap or frost cloth for extra protection. If the forecast calls for an especially harsh cold snap, mulch heavily or grow in containers that can be moved to shelter like a garage or shed.
By following these steps, your cold-hardy pansies will bloom beautifully and brighten up early spring gardens!
Pansy varieties to choose for planting this time of year
For Colorado winters, the best pansies are varieties like Blue Velvet and Northern Lights which are considered hardy and can withstand the state's colder temperatures; other good options include Matrix, Viola Tricolor, and Cool Wave pansies, all known for their ability to thrive in Colorado's sometimes unpredictable weather.