Pansies are native to the temperate Central European climate and are therefore hardy. In the mild winters they bloom until spring. When there is frost, they roll up their flowers and open them when it gets warmer again.
How can you overwinter pansies successfully?
Pansies are hardy and can survive light frost well. During the winter they should be covered with straw, leaves or brushwood to protect them from the risk of freezing and drying out. They should not be overwintered in small containers such as balcony boxes.
Since the beginning of the 19th century, pansies with large flowers, early flowering times and more winter hardiness have been specifically bred. The pansies and horned violets easily tolerate temperatures slightly below zero, even harder and longer periods of frost, especially if they are protected by a blanket of snow.
In very cold winters without snow there is a risk of freezing, and in a location in full sun there is also a risk of drying out. We therefore recommend a cover made of straw (€37.00 on Amazon), leaves or brushwood for the young plants sown in summer and autumn. The pansies cannot be overwintered in small containers such as balcony boxes, bowls or pots.
Tips & Tricks
The home-grown pansies are more robust and less sensitive to frost. On the other hand, the greenhouse products offered in spring are often sensitive to cold.
