Any advice on how to get pansies to produce maximum flowers next spring?

From:


http://www.ehow.com/how_6733_grow-pansy-...





Introduction


The perfect early spring flower, pansies thrive in cool weather and don't even mind a light dusting of snow. This annual (grows just one year) comes in a wide variety of colors and markings, and grows about 8- to 12-inches high depending on the variety. It's also excellent for pots, planters, window boxes and other containers where its bright colors can be appreciated when so few other flowers are blooming.





Instructions


Difficulty: Easy


Steps





1Step OneBuy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky with plenty of leaves. It's a plus if they don't have any flower so that early energy will be diverted into root development.





2Step Two Click to enlargeChoose a site with full sun to light shade. Pansies also like well-drained, fairly rich soil, so work in a spadeful or two of compost at planting time for best results.





3Step Three Click to enlargePlant pansies in early spring, four to six weeks before your region's last frost date.





4Step FourPlant 4- to 8-inches apart, depending on the variety. Check the label for directions.





5Step Five Click to enlargeMulch to keep roots cooler longer.





6Step Six Click to enlargeWater only moderately. Although they love cool conditions, pansies don't need huge amounts of water.





7Step SevenPinch off spent blooms to promote longer flowering.





8Step EightFertilize once after blooming starts.





Tips %26amp; Warnings


Pansies are ideal for pressing. Simply pick a flower off a pansy then sandwich it between two pieces of newspaper. Tuck it into a thick book for a week or two.





Pansies hate heat. They do best in early spring and autumn in Zones 2 to 11. In areas with very mild winters - Zones 9 to 11 on the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Map - plant them in autumn for winter color.

Any advice on how to get pansies to produce maximum flowers next spring?
KEEP THEM WATERED AND PINCH OFF THE OLD BLOOMS
Reply:Good soil. Incorporate rabbit manure, compost, fish and kelp emulsion, and shredded leaves. Get your soil tested.