Pansies: Harbinger of Spring

In the Midwest and Northeast, to gardeners at least, it’s not the calendar, Easter, or even the beginning of baseball that announces the spring season. It’s pansies. These hardy, colorful flowers with the sad faces begin appearing in garden centers and nurseries around the end of March and mark a sure beginning the the zone 4-5-6 growing season.

Here are a few facts about pansies:

* The pansy is a cousin of the viola, “johnny jump-up” wildflower, and violet

* Pansies thrive during seasons with warm afternoons and cool nights.

* A full-grown pansy will measure up to 6-8″ high and 6-8″ in diameter.

* For continuous blossoms, be sure to “dead-head” (remove the spent blossoms) from your plants.

* Pansy blossoms are edible. Add them to your salads for an elegant touch.

* Pansies make good, colorful companions to spring-flowering bulbs, such as crocus, daffodils, and tulips.

(photo credit: S. Mitchell)