Connecticut Gardeners

DID YOU KNOW

Connecticut Pansies: The “First-In, Last-Out” Flower

In the Nutmeg State, we know that spring and fall can be unpredictable. One day it’s 60°F, and the next, there’s a frost on the windshield. THIS YEAR WE HAVE SNOW, SNOW, SNOW. That’s exactly why Pansies are the unofficial mascots of Connecticut gardening. These resilient little “faces” thrive in our cool New England air when other flowers would throw in the towel.

Why They Love CT
Pansies are unique because they actually prefer our chilly nights but not snow. While most annuals need to wait until Memorial Day, pansies can go into the ground or containers as soon as the soil is workable—usually late March or early April but then this year it may be even later. 

Pro Tip: If you plant them in the fall (late September), they often “overwinter” under the snow and pop back up to surprise you in March/April! Again, not all the time really depends on having good luck!

Care & Keeping
* Sunlight: They love full morning sun. If they get too much hot afternoon sun in June, they may start to “stretch” or look tired.
* Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. In CT, our spring rains usually do the work for you, but keep an eye on window boxes which dry out faster.
* Deadheading: This is the secret sauce. Pinch off the faded blooms regularly, and the plant will keep pumping out new flowers for weeks.
* Pests: Watch out for slugs during our rainy spells. A little bit of grit or diatomaceous earth around the base usually does the trick.

There are many flowers that show their faces early in the year – pansy is only one of them.

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