That’s what you should say to the deer this upcoming fall when the pansies are just about the only delicacy to be found. Deer and rabbits love pansies; so don’t plant them where the animals can get to them. And no wonder; pansies are edible and quite good. The blue pansies have a wintergreen flavor; and the yellow and blue are the most fragrant. Just make sure you don’t eat the pansies you bought from the store because they may have pesticides on them. Wait until the plant produces new blooms before cutting. They are great in salads, and can be used for decorating a table, garnishing a meal, or trimming a cake.
Now, from the kitchen back to the garden; pansies are hardy annuals that will survive the first frost. Pansy growers are shipping pansies to garden centers and markets as we speak. The modern version of the pansy began with the small European wildflower family called Viola, also called Johnny-jump-up. In the early1800’s, a gardener by the name of William Thompson began cross breeding different species of viola and the pansy was born. Pansies come in a large variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, white, black, orange, yellow, violet, as well as two-toned and tri-colored. Many of the two-toned pansies look like they have a face staring right at you.
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Pansies are cold-weather hardy plants that can deal with slight freezing temperatures while still blooming. Plant in a part sun or part shade; otherwise, they will wilt in the heat. They can handle a variety of garden soils; but just remember to add fertilizer when planting them, and then fertilize once a month there after. Once they’re established, even if left unattended, they’ll grow just fine. Water them during dry periods, but don't keep them too wet, and they can last from spring through fall. Don’t forget to deadhead the spent blooms to increase the bloom time. You can also start pansies by seed or cuttings. So, whether you plant them, eat them, or decorate with them; use pansies for all their worth.
For a complete guide to fall-blooming plants and fall gardening, click here:
More Fall Planting:
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Mums
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18980-Philadelphia-Gardening-Examiner~y2009m9d9-Mums-the-word
Bulbs
Deer Resistant Bulbs
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