Fall Planting Guide: Pansies & Cool-Season Blooms for NC

Fall Planting Guide: Pansies & Cool-Season Blooms for NC

As the temperatures begin to drop in North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to refresh your garden with cool-season blooms like pansies. These cheerful flowers thrive in the crisp air of fall and provide vibrant color well into winter.

Choosing Pansies for Your Garden

Pansies are one of the most popular cool-season flowers because they are hardy and come in a wide array of colors, including purples, yellows, whites, and blues. When selecting pansies, look for healthy plants with strong stems and vibrant leaves.

Ideal Planting Time

Plant pansies in early fall, typically from mid-September to early October, to give them enough time to establish before the first frost. In North Carolina’s climate, this timing allows them to flourish through the cooler months.

Soil Preparation

Pansies prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Before planting, amend the soil with compost or organic matter to enhance nutrient content and moisture retention.

Planting Tips

• Space pansy plants about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.

• Plant them at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers.

• Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and provide moisture to roots.

Care and Maintenance

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to maintain healthy blooms.

Other Cool-Season Blooms to Consider

Along with pansies, consider adding these cool-season favorites to your fall garden:

• Violas

• Snapdragons

• Ornamental kale and cabbage

• Dusty Miller

• Dianthus

These plants also do well in the North Carolina fall climate and can complement your pansy beds beautifully.

Visit Garden Valley Farmers Market

Stop by any of our five Garden Valley Farmers Market locations throughout Alamance and Guilford Counties for fresh, high-quality pansies and a variety of cool-season plants. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect blooms and provide additional tips for a thriving fall garden.