Pansies

[derrynoose]

I am growing pansies this year for the first time. They are in pots and have recently come into flower. Many of the flowering stems are quite long, in some cases up to 9 inches, and are floppy. Did I do something wrong?

[boxtops]

Have you planted them deep enough, are you watering them well?

[Hawkwalk]

pansies are not that good at this time of year because it gets too warm for them and they grow fast, tall and soft. Best grown for early spring or Autumn. Some varieties are better than others for late spring and summer and you will need to pinch them to make them bush out a bit. I would also remove the first few flowers allowing them to bush out more.

[smurfchops]

I saw a TV gardener once who said you should cut off all the heads of the pansies when they first flower, this will strengthen them. I tried it and it works, you will get lots more flowers coming thru the summer. Also not full sun, semi shade and water every day when it is dry weather and deadhead the pansies when they have flowered, this will give more strength as well.