Plentifall Pansy Baskets
Plentifall pansies are a fantastic new pansy series that has a trailing growth habit. Today I’m with Polly Cuevas at Pine Hills Nursery where she is growing Plentifall pansies that are looking good in hanging baskets. The trailing habit of Plentifall pansies makes for a good spiller plant. There are three colors available: Lavender Blue, purple wing, and white. Plus it has great winter hardiness surviving in temperatures below freezing. This gives the home gardener an option for making flowering baskets in the winter. When making a hanging basket, select attractive pots or baskets that don’t over power the plants. Plastic pots are lightweight and retain moisture longer. But I like wire baskets. From dressy brass to contemporary, there is a wire basket to fit anyone’s style. Wire baskets need to be lined to hold the potting media. Sphagnum moss liners are made by firmly packing the moss fibers on the inside of the wire basket. Coco fiber mats are much, much easier to work with. In fact, you can simply buy a preformed liner at your local garden center. Watering and fertilizing is crucial for success. Apply until water flows out the bottom. Using slow release fertilizer at the start of the season, or water soluble once a week will keep the plants looking good. All you need to do is line, pack and plant to enjoy homemade hanging baskets. And this advice works for any season. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.