PANSIES: The 2024 Texas superstar
by Alison Kelly/Victoria County Master Gardener
Wild Violas/PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ALISON KELLY
Matrix Orange/PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ALISON KELLY
Colossus Blotch/PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ALISON KELLY
It is that time of year for pansies to flood the scene, like “visions of sugarplums dancing” around south Texas. They remind us that bright colors can continue to grace our landscapes even as the thermometer plummets to or below the freezing mark.
Favored for reliable, showy blooms, it is not surprising that this cool-weather performer was designated a Texas Superstar in March, 2024. “Texas Superstar” is a registered trademark owned by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Plants are designated by the Texas Superstar executive board, which comprises nine horticulturists from Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
This team’s rigorous study and field work assure that the pansy has met all criteria to earn the Texas Superstar distinction. In short, any Texas Superstar must perform well in Texas gardens around the State and meet certain cultivation guidelines.
As with most gardening endeavors, planting is key. Start with compact plants that have at least 5 bright green leaves. Avoid yellow, leggy plants. Blossoms are optional–healthy leaves are required. From there, the when, where and how of planting these superstars will assure their success.
WHEN:
Pansies prefer cool weather, so wait for the soil temperature to drop to at least 70 degrees. On the other hand, according to Bexar County Extension Agent David Rodriguez, states that “soil temperatures below 45 degrees at planting time will result in inactive roots [and] stunted plants.”
In South Texas, that means setting out bedding plants somewhere between Columbus Day and Halloween to provide the longest show of color, or into early November. Sufficiently warm weather will allow for roots to establish and plants to thrive.
To further hedge that bet, Victoria master gardener Suzanne LaBrecque suggests following the folk wisdom found in the Farmers’ Almanac: “Plant pansies around the time of the waxing moon in late October or early November. During this time when the moon is new until it is full, it pulls moisture upward so pansies can develop their foliage and bloom.”
WHERE:
Pansies need sunlight, so the ideal location will have at least 6 hours of full sun. A little shade can actually be helpful to encourage pansies to bloom well into warmer spring days.
Also, pansies do not like “wet feet,” so the soil should be mounded and well-drained. If the soil is somewhat sandy, even better. You can improve the location further by amending the planting area with organic matter.
Although few pests bother these flowers, consider deer access. Bambi enjoys pansies as much as we do. As another precaution, set out slug-pill bug bait every two weeks if needed.
HOW:
Space each plant 6- to 12-inches apart. Some say no more than 10-inches. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil’s surface.
Fertilize new plants with a 1-1-1 ratio feed and water thoroughly for the first 5 days. After that, there should be no need to fertilize.
Water only when the soil becomes very dry. Watering once or twice a week will be sufficient. Be sure to add mulch to help retain moisture and discourage weeds.
Pinch spent blossoms to encourage more new blooms. If temperature should drop below 20-25 degrees, cover the plants until danger of frost kill has passed.
Properly planted, this new Texas Superstar can thrive throughout a typical south Texas winter and well into spring. By carefully considering the when, where, and how, gardeners can expect these prolific showstoppers to perform for months. Colorful blossoms and winter hardiness make the prolific pansy a must-add to the cool-weather garden.
Pansies offer a large variety of colors, sizes and features to enhance the landscape. Note that not all pansies have the trademark purple “face”!) Here are a few pansies that were tested for the Texas Superstar designation.
MORE INFO:
Pansies offer a large variety of colors, sizes and features to enhance the landscape. (Note that not all pansies have the trademark purple “face”!) Here are a few pansies that were tested for the Texas Superstar designation.
Colossus
Cool Wave
Crown
Delta
Freefall
Majestic Giants 11
Matrix
Ultima
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