PANSIES: CULTURAL TIPS

Growing medium. Choose a mix with high air porosity and drainage. Maintain pH between 5.4-5.8. To achieve this, be sure that the mix has the proper amount of lime.

Fertilization. Do not overfeed pansies. For production in greenhouses (absent leaching due to rain), a 75 ppm nitrogen constant feeding may be sufficient. Pansies grown outdoors may require constant feed at 100-125 ppm nitrogen. Avoid fertilizers with high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus to avoid stretch. In order to maintain the proper pH level (5.4-5.8) check the basicity or acidity levels of the fertilizers. Keeping the right pH may require switching acid and basic fertilizers.

Timing. Pansies can be ready for sale in 11-14 weeks from seeding or 5-9 weeks from transplanting. Fall pansies planted too late in fall or early winter increases the risk of poorly established root systems due to low temperatures. Depending on your location/climate, count back the number of weeks mentioned above from the optimal time for planting.

Growth regulators. Several growth regulators are now labeled for pansies.

1. B-Nine. On plugs or seedlings a 0.25% solution may be used beginning after the first true leaf is present Apply 0.5% concentration spray solution to the drip point 2-3 weeks after transplanting or when plants begin to stretch. More applications may be necessary if plants start to stretch.
2. Bonzi. On plugs or seedlings a 1 to 3 ppm spray solution when two true leaves are present should provide height control. On flats, spray solutions between 5-15 ppm should be used. Use higher application during warmer weather.
3. Sumagic. Use a 1 - 3 ppm spray solution on plugs and seedlings when three true leaves are present. On flats, use a 3- 6 ppm solution.
4. A-Rest. On plugs and seedlings use a spray of 3-7 ppm after plants have 1-3 leaves. On flats, apply a spray solution of 8-10 ppm when plants are established and begin develop new leaves.