Q: Recently we purchased pansies at Wal-Mart. They immediately wilted. I know they like to be in bright sun and so I placed them in an environment similar to what they were at Wal-Mart. Any suggestions to thrive? Iβve watered them when the soil is dry to touch and havenβt replanted them. Would like to think I have a green thumb. Probably not.
A:Β Pansies and violets (Viola species) are great for adding color to your landscape in the winter and spring. In general, they can be planted in sun (as long as itβs not too hot) or partial shade although some species prefer variations on this rule of thumb. If you look at a climate zone map, you might notice that it appears to be too hot for them in the Tucson area in the summer. They will look bad once the weather warms to their limit so we can treat them like annuals and replace them with something else. They also need water twice a day for the first couple weeks when they are getting established. This may be why yours wilted.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions and photos may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
