How to Maintain Ornamental Pansies After Grown

Overview

Pansies bring vibrant hues of purple, blue and other colors to any garden bed. They're prized not just for their colors, but also for their cold-hardiness and their delicate scent, according to Texas A&M University. After planting your pansies, provide them with the appropriate care and maintenance to ensure proper growth and blossoming.

Step 1

Test your soil's pH levels with a soil testing kit, available at most garden stores. Pansies thrive best in soil with a pH ranging between 5.4 and 5.8, according to the University of Georgia. Soil amendments made with various sulphates can lower pH, while lime can raise pH. Consult your regional cooperative extension office (see Resources) to determine what amendments are commonly used in your area.

Step 2

Spread 2 inches of mulch around the pansies, according to Texas A&M University. This helps conserve soil moisture, conditions the soil as the mulch decomposes, and keeps weeds at bay. Example mulch materials include wood chips and shredded leaves.

Step 3

Water the pansies. The plants require approximately an inch of water weekly, according to West Virginia University. Limit the pansy plant's risks of contracting foliar diseases by applying water directly to the soil instead of getting the plant's foliage wet.

Step 4

Fertilize the pansies. This encourages proper plant growth and blossom production. West Virginia University suggests using 1 tsp. of all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer for every square foot of bedding soil. Fertilize the plant approximately once a month.