Are pansies a good choice for your garden? This is a question that many Floridians are asking as they consider their winter gardening options. Pansies are lovely flowers, but do they have what it takes to thrive in our state? Let’s take a closer look.
Pansies are a type of flower that belongs to the Viola family. They are characterized by their large, showy blooms, which can be found in various colors, including yellow, purple, blue, and white. Pansies are relatively easy to care for, making great cut flowers.
In terms of their climate preferences, pansies are considered cool-season annuals. This means that they prefer cooler temperatures and will not tolerate the heat of summer very well. A little bit of afternoon shade with 6 hours of sunlight during the day is ideal.
Pansies in Florida
These lovely annuals are often planted during the winter and bloom beautifully during the spring and early summer.
Florida USDA Zones
When it comes to growing pansies in Florida, they can be a bit tricky. This is because the state spans three different climate zones – Southern, Central, and Northern.
The Southern part of the state is the warmest and most humid, falling in USDA zones between 10 – 11. The Northern region, on the other hand, is cooler and has a more temperate climate. It falls into USDA zones between 8 – 9a.
Lastly, the Central part of Florida has a climate somewhere between the Southern and Northern parts. This area experiences hot summers and mild winters, falling into USDA zone 9.
Can You Grow Pansies in Florida?
Generally speaking, pansies are typically found in the northern part of the United States during the winter. They are not especially heat-tolerant, making them a bit challenging to grow in the Southern states.
Unfortunately, not all parts of Florida will be able to experience the beauty of pansies. The warmest and most humid parts of the state, such as the Southern region, will be too hot for these flowers.
They may be able to survive in Central Florida, but they will likely not bloom as profusely as they would in a cooler climate.
The best chance for success when growing pansies in Florida would be in the Northern part of the state, where the climate is cooler. However, even in this region, they may not bloom as abundantly as they would further north.
How to Successfully Grow Pansies in Central and North Florida
If you’re set on growing pansies in Florida, your best bet would be to plant them in the fall so they can take advantage of the cooler temperatures. This is an excellent time for these vibrant flowers to take center stage in your garden.
Disclaimer: Although these vibrant flowers would survive parts of Florida’s hot weather, they might not bloom as beautifully, and their lives are short-lived. At maximum, pansies would only survive for up to 8 weeks in Florida’s humid and hot weather.
If you’re still interested in growing pansies in Florida, here are some tips to help you successfully do so:
Keep the Soil Moist but Not Wet
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of growing pansies. They like to have moist soil, but they don’t want to be sitting in water. Be sure to check the soil regularly and only water when it starts to dry out.
Fertilize Regularly
Pansies are heavy feeders, so they will need to be fertilized regularly. A slow-release fertilizer is a good option, or you can fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
Give Them Some Shade
Pansies may require 6 hours of sunlight every day in colder regions. In Florida, it’s best that you give them some afternoon shade to prevent them from getting too much heat.
Use Mulch
Mulching is always a good idea when growing flowers. It helps to keep the soil moist and also prevents weeds from taking over.
Choose Heat-Tolerant Pansies
There are some varieties of pansies that are more heat-tolerant than others. Look for varieties such as ‘Delta’ or ‘Matrix’ that are specifically bred to withstand warmer temperatures. These might do better with the Florida climate, although they will still likely not bloom as much as they would in a cooler climate.
Pansies in Florida: Final Thoughts
Pansies are beautiful and delicate flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden. While they can be challenging to grow in Florida, it is possible to succeed with them if you take the necessary precautions.
With some careful planning and attention, you can enjoy these lovely flowers in your Florida garden.
Related Article: Can I Plant Pansies in the Fall?