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The golden barrel cactus is a rare cacti variety that resembles a large ball with golden-yellow spines. This striking appearance is one of the reasons why it stands out as one of the most-priced houseplants.

Besides visual appeal, the golden barrel is low maintenance. It tolerates infrequent watering and resists common pests and diseases. Owing to its uniqueness, it is not uncommon to wonder how you can grow and care for this cactus.

Nick’s Garden has provided tips to grow and care for the golden barrel cactus indoors.

1.     Light

The golden barrel cactus thrives well in places that receive direct sunlight. As such, you should place this houseplant in a south or west-facing window so it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In situations where natural light is limited, use grow light as an alternative.

2.     Soil

The golden barrel cactus is adapted to the arid soil. Thus, you should pot it in well-draining soil, similar to that you’d find in semi-arid areas. In particular, you should grow the golden barrel in a cactus mix rather than regular soil.

The cactus mix is available in Denver’s leading garden centers like Nick’s Garden. Nonetheless, if the cactus mix is not available, create your own. How? Combine equal parts of perlite, sand, and potting mix.

3.     Watering

Like other cactus varieties, the golden barrel cactus has low water needs. Thanks to a succulent stem that stores water for future use. Given the adaptability, you should water this cactus when its soil dries up or once a month. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.

4.     Fertilizer

The golden barrel cactus can thrive without fertilizer. However, during the growing stage, you can fertilize it with a diluted complete fertilizer once a month. The fertilizer will provide essential nutrients for growth.

Refrain from fertilizing this house plant during winter. The reason? The golden barrel cactus goes dormant in this season.

5.     Repotting

Since the golden barrel cactus is slow-growing, it does not require frequent repotting. On average, you should think about repotting this plant once every 2 to 3 years. Besides size, your pot should have enough drainage holes to release excess water.

6.     Pests and Diseases

The golden barrel cactus has superb resilience to pests and diseases. However, mealy bugs, spider mites, and scale insects can occasionally attack this cactus. When the infestation occurs, use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests.

7.     Troubleshooting

Periodically, your golden barrel cactus will develop a range of issues that deviate from the normal. Such issues could include browning of spines, stunted growth, and scarring. Below are possible solutions to address the anomalies.

• The cactus is turning yellow. This could be a sign of overwatering or root rot. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
• Cactus is soft and mushy. This is another sign of overwatering or root rot. If the cactus is still salvageable, cut away the affected areas and allow the plant to callous over before repotting it in fresh soil.
• Cactus is not growing. Stunted growth signifies that your cactus is not getting enough sunlight or fertilizer. Ensure your cactus is sunny, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.

Discover More Tips for Keeping Your Golden Barrel Cactus Healthy and Thriving

A golden barrel cactus’s spherical shape is a visual delight that can instantly add a touch of nature’s artistry to any room. However, this plant needs a little care to maintain its captivating allure.

In particular, you need to monitor it for disease and place it in a place with more sunlight. Moreover, you need to plant this plant in the appropriate soil and water it cautiously. Contact our garden center to learn more or acquire your golden barrel cactus.

The jade plant has succulent leaves with a deep, rich green hue sprouting from somewhat woody stems. Placed in an attractive pot, the jade plant serves as a living piece of art, enhancing the aesthetics of any room.

Beyond the visual allure, the jade plant is low maintenance. It can maintain its vitality even when watered and fertilized less frequently. Nick’s Garden Center delves into growing and caring for the jade plant indoors.

1. Light

The Jade Plant flourishes better when placed in bright, indirect light rooms. Preferably, you should place this plant near a south or west-facing window so it gets optimal amounts of brightness per day.

As a rule, keep your jade plant away from direct sunlight. The reason is that direct sunlight can scorch the plant’s leaves. Moreover, you should avoid placing the plant in dim spaces so it doesn’t elongate and develop weak stems.

2. Watering

Much like many succulents, the jade plant does not require frequent watering. In particular, you should water this plant after its soil dries up. Avoid frequent use since it can lead to root rot and eventual death.

When watering, do so deeply until excess water starts flowing out of the pot’s drainage holes. The deep watering ensures the jade plant’s roots receive ample water until the next session.

3. Soil

Jade plants grow better in soils that allow excess water to pass through easily. The ideal soil is a succulent potting mix. It lets excess water drain through quickly, eliminating chances of overwatering.

If you cannot find a succulent potting mix isn’t at your Denver gardening center, create your own. You combine equal parts of sand, perlite, and regular potting soil.

4. House Location

Jade plants grow best in warm environments with low humidity and plenty of light. While you can keep the jade plant in any room, do not place the plant near drafts and heat vents. Drafts can subject the jade plant to temperature fluctuations, which aren’t ideal for vibrant growth. Likewise, the hot, dry air from heat vents can dry up the jade plant.

If indoor conditions are unfavorable, grow your jade plant outdoors, away from direct sunlight. When winter nears, bring the jade plant indoors. Prolonged exposure to cold spells can damage the jade plant.

5. Disease Prevention

The jade plant is vulnerable to scale, mealybugs, and root rot. For this reason, you ought to inspect the plant for signs of disease and pests. If you notice tiny white insects or sticky residue, use Neem oil or any other safe insecticide to control the pests. For root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure your pot has enough drainage holes.

Things to Look Out For

The secret to maintaining a healthy Jade Plant is vigilant monitoring for signs of disease, pests, or root rot. This proactive practice lets you detect and manage pests and diseases before extensive damage occurs.

Some signs to watch out for during routine inspection include:

• Drooping leaves. This can be a sign of underwatering, overwatering, or too much sunlight.
• Yellowing leaves. This can be a sign of overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or too much sunlight.
• Brown leaves. This can be a sign of underwatering, sunburn, or pests.
• Leggy growth. This can be a sign of too little light.

Let Nick’s Garden Center Guide You Through Your Gardening Journey

Nick’s Garden offers every plant for your outdoor or indoor space, from vibrant annuals and perennials to shrubs and trees. Besides, we give our clients the knowledge they need to thrive in their gardening endeavors.

Contact us to order your jade plant or learn more about growing this houseplant indoors.

While most flowers bloom between May and April, other varieties bloom in August. Thus, if you want a unique charm in your garden all year round, add late bloomers to your collection.

Nick’s Garden has suggested the best August blooms for enthusiasts who love native, xeriscape, or cultivated flowers.

Break Down of Flowers That Bloom in Denver in August

Many flower varieties bloom in Denver in August. You can always find your most suitable type, whether you love climbers, bulbous plants, or wildflowers. Here is a list of common categories of August bloomers for your indoor or outdoor collection:

Native Flowers

Native flowers stand among the late blooms in Denver. These flowers have adapted to Denver’s unique climate and soil conditions. Therefore, they can bloom amid extreme weather changes.

Two types of native categories of flowers bloom in August — sun-loving and shade-tolerant flowers.

The sun-loving variety needs optimal sunlight to bloom. Therefore, August is their ideal blooming season since the month has a higher sun intensity. The native sun-loving flowers you’d want to add to your collection include:

• Black-Eyed Susan. Black-eyed Susan is famous for its daisy-like flowers with golden yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. It requires at least six hours of full sun daily to bloom profusely.
• Blanket flower. These perennials have bright red, yellow, and orange petals. They are very tolerant of heat and drought, making them ideal for the August climate.
• Fireweed. Tall, slender plants have pink or purple flowers, adding distinctive charm to gardens. They love a lot of sun to bloom.

Shade-tolerant flowers thrive in areas with low sunlight. Denver’s August climate provides shady areas where this variety thrives. These include areas under canopies, balconies with limited sunlight, along fences, and in shadowy corners of gardens. Some examples of shade-tolerant flowers that bloom in August include:

• Columbine. Columbine has star-shaped flowers with colors ranging from deep purple to soft pink.
• Foam flower. This perennial has delicate clusters of tiny, fluffy flowers. The flower blooms have attractive shades of white, pink, or red.
• Solomon’s seal. Solomon’s seal is famous for its arching stems with bell-shaped flowers and symmetrical foliage in the shape of a seal.

Cultivated Flowers Thriving in August

This group consists of flowers that have been selectively bred to withstand the sunny, dry, and hot August climate. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for perennial or annual cultivated flowers.

Perennial flowers have a robust root system and can regenerate and bloom season after season. The perennials are suitable for gardeners looking for varieties they can keep for a long time. Top perennials that bloom in August include Coneflowers, Daylilies, and Russian Sage.

Annual flowers have an average life span of one year. The annuals are great for gardeners who want a new look every year. The best-cultivated annual flowers that bloom in August are zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos.

Xeriscape Flowers for Water Savers

Xeriscape flowers are another type of flower that blooms in Denver in August. These flowers thrive in low-water conditions so that they can bloom in August. The flowers can also survive the drought, heat, and pests in August to bloom. The central xeriscape flowers that bloom in August include:

• Yarrow. Yarrow is a delightful flower that has feathery foliage and clusters of flowers with varying colors.
• Red hot poker. The red hot poker features beautiful torch-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
• Penstemon. Penstemon flower captivates with its slender, tubular, bright-colored flowers that add a touch of elegance to your garden.

Shop Nick’s Garden Center for August Blooms

Nick’s Garden Center is a one-stop shop for all types of flowers in Denver. We have annual flowers, hardy perennials, native plants, and xeriscape varieties. Besides selling flowers, we offer professional advice to help you succeed in your garden.

Contact us to shop for your August blooms.

Brown thumb plants are suitable for enthusiasts seeking low-maintenance indoor greenery. Unlike green thumb plants, the brown thumb variety tolerates irregular watering, occasional pest control, and low light intensity.

Nick’s Garden has suggested 12 of the best brown thumb plants you’d want to buy.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Plants as a Brown Thumb

A good brown thumb plant should have low water requirements. It should thrive despite irregular watering. Other essential factors that you should consider when buying plants for the brown thumb are:

• Low maintenance requirements. Good brown thumb plants should be low maintenance. They shouldn’t require intensive pruning, pest control, and other specialized care routines.
• Tolerance for Neglect. An excellent brown thumb resists common forms of neglect, such as irregular fertilization and low-light conditions.
• Resilience to Common Issues. Great low-maintenance plants should tolerate issues like over- and under-watering and temperature fluctuations.

12 Indoor Plants for the Brown Thumb

From cacti and palms to succulents, there are many plants for the brown thumb. You can hardly miss a suitable species for your space. Some of the most popular options for homeowners in Denver, Colorado, are:

Snake Plant

The snake plant is characterized by its sword-shaped leaves with attractive patterns. As a brown plant, this variety has thick leaves that store water for use during a dry period. Furthermore, the snake plant can photosynthesize even under low light conditions.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant boasts glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a feathery pattern. This plant is a low-maintenance variety since it can survive under low light. The ZZ’s rhizomes store extra water, eliminating the need for frequent watering.

Pothos

This climber has heart-shaped leaves with varying shades of green and speckled patterns. Its fleshy leaves and stems store enough water to keep the plant alive even with infrequent watering. The houseplant is resistant to pests, so it does not require regular spraying.

Spider Plant

Spider Plant has long, arching leaves with contrasting white or yellow stripes. Its leaves are adapted to photosynthesize under low light intensities. The spider plants have rhizomes that store water for use during dry days.

Cast Iron Plant

The visually appealing Cast Iron has glossy, dark green leaves that make for a lush sight. These thick, leathery leaves store water for use in dry periods. The plant is highly resistant to pests, a trait that reduces constant spraying.

Peace Lily

The peace lily’s dark green, glossy leaves and iconic white flowers add a striking visual appeal to ordinary spaces. Aesthetics aside, these houseplants have a slow growth rate, reducing the need for a steady supply of water and light.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese evergreen stands as a favorite houseplant due to its large, oval leaves, which form lush, attractive foliage. The plant has a slow growth rate, reducing the light and water needed for growth.

Dracaena

Dracaena has slender, upright stems with lush, vibrant foliage that instantly adds a touch of elegance to any space. Its succulent leaves store water to use when neglected. The ornamental plant is also adapted to using little light for photosynthesis.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has succulent leaves arranged in a rosette formation, adding charm to your space. The succulent leaves store enough water, so you do not have to water the plant frequently. Aloe vera is also resistant to pests.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern stands out for its feathery fronds which give spaces a striking cosmetic lift. The ferns have a robust root system which helps them maximize water and mineral intake. Moreover, the fern has superb resilience to pest attacks.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant has glossy, dark green leaves which effortlessly add character to rooms. It tolerates dim or bright light, making it suitable for rooms with varying light intensity. In addition, the rubber plant takes infrequent watering, as its thick leaves retain water.

Jade Plant

The Jade Plant features thick leaves and a tree-like appearance, making it a delightful addition to your space. The plant’s succulent leaves store extra water, enabling it to withstand infrequent watering. It can also thrive in poorly lit settings.

Revamp Your Space With Indoor Plants for the Brown Thumb

The demanding nature of raising houseplants should not discourage you from adding some to your space. Instead, you can opt for brown thumb plants that are low maintenance. They can handle infrequent watering, low light levels, and occasional pest control.

At Nick’s Garden Center, we offer a wide selection of these houseplants so you can choose the best for your space. Contact us to let our gardening experts transform your space with suitable greenery.

The Russian sage and Lavandula belong to the same plant family, Lamiaceae. But despite the similarity in origin, the two herbs have some differences. Nick’s Garden Center takes a closer look at the characteristics that distinguish the two herbs.

Origins and Background

Russian sage originated in Central Asia. The natives used various parts of the plant as medicine for respiratory and digestive problems. In addition, the natives cultivated Russian sage for its decorative and aromatic properties.

Historians trace the origin of Lavender to the mountainous regions of Europe and the Mediterranean. Local communities used it to make relaxing baths and herbal concoctions. In addition, locals used Lavender as a spice and an ingredient in perfumes.

Appearance and Growth Patterns

The Russian sage has tall stems with silver-gray leaves. When the herb blooms, its branches bear clusters of small violet-blue flowers. Under the right conditions, Russian sage can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall.

The Lavender plant has narrow, gray-green leaves. When mature, the herb’s shoots bear clusters of tiny flowers with shades of purple or blue. The lavender plant is usually bushy and can grow 1 to 3 feet tall.

Fragrances

The Russian sage and Lavender plants have delightful fragrances. The Russian sage has a pungent menthol scent that is more noticeable when the leaves are crushed. Some people describe the scent as a mix of sage and Lavender.

Contrariwise, Lavender has a floral scent with herbal undertones. The scent is often more noticeable on the flowers of the plant.

Culinary and Medical Uses

The leaves of Russian sage add an earthy flavor to various dishes. In particular, the herb enhances the taste of roasted meats, sauces, poultry, and vegetables. Cooks also use this herb to prepare herbal teas and floral desserts.

Therapeutically, the Russian Sage contains essential oils, including camphor and cineole. This herb also contains luteolin and apigenin. The essential oils combined with the flavonoids provide many medicinal benefits. These include:

• Reducing the risk of cancer
• Reducing inflammation
• Relieving pain
• Combat oxidative stress
• Improving cellular health

Culinary experts use the lavender herb to add a floral essence to various delicacies. For instance, bakers add spice to cookies, cakes, and shortbread, giving them a fragrant essence. Lavender adds a floral aroma to roasted meats, poultry, and vegetables.

The Lavender herb has many therapeutic substances like linalool, linalyl acetate, flavonoids, terpenes, and coumarins. These medicinal compounds play a synergistic role in improving overall health. Some main ways this plant helps are:

• Enhancing relaxation
• Improving the quality of sleep quality
• Reducing pain
• Fighting inflammation
• Treating skin conditions

Growing Conditions – Growing regions – Hardiness

Russian sage grows in conditions similar to its original habitat in Central Asia. It thrives in dry, arid climates with hot summers and limited rainfall. To survive under the arid climate, the herb has extensive roots that extract more water from the soil. Its hairy leaves reduce water loss.

Lavender grows well in a region with dry summers and mild winters. Lavender’s narrow, gray-green leaves are covered with fine hairs that help reduce water loss through evaporation. In addition, its deep root system enables it to draw more moisture from the soil.

Harvesting

Russian sage is harvested for its foliage and flowers. People harvest this aromatic herb during its flowering period in late summer or early fall. After harvesting, the stems are dried for long-term storage.

Like Russian sage, people harvest the flowers and leaves of Lavender. Usually, the herb is harvested in full bloom, typically in summer. Harvesting is often done by cutting the flower stalks just above the foliage.

Get Your Herbs at Nick’s Garden

Nick’s Garden Center is a one-stop store for all your herbal needs. We have a wide selection of herbs, from perennial favorites to annuals. Our diverse selection includes Lavender, Russian Sage, tomatoes, and more. We guarantee, at our garden center, you will find the perfect herb for your garden.

Contact us to learn more about herbs.

Pansies are one of the most popular flowers in Denver. People love their striking and varied colors, which range from bright yellow to rich purple. However, for pansies to bloom well, you need to plant them at the right season. So when is the right time to plant pansies in Denver?

Nick’s Garden provides detailed information on when to plant and tips to ensure the flowers thrive.

Different Varieties of Pansies Suitable for Denver’s Climate

Many pansy varieties do well in Denver, Colorado. This is because these flowers are hardy, a trait that helps them survive the extreme weather in this region. Nonetheless, some pansies do better than others in Denver. These varieties include:

• Blue velvet
• Northern lights
• Maxim series
• Matrix pansies
• Cool wave pansies

Detailed Overview of Denver’s Climate and Its Impact

Denver has a semi-arid climate. It has dry soils, around 3,100 hours of sunshine yearly, and wide temperature fluctuations. Like other US regions, Denver has four seasons, each with varying climate conditions:

• Summer. Summers are mostly sunny with mild to hot temperatures. Pansies struggle to thrive in hot, dry conditions, reducing flowering.
• Fall. In fall, temperatures gradually cool and there could be occasional rain in this region. The season is one of the most favorable for the pansy flowers.
• Winter. Denver’s winters are characterized by snowfall. While the flowers can tolerate cool weather, they struggle to blossom in snowy conditions.
• Spring. Spring is characterized by rising temperatures and occasional rain or snow showers. Pansies can experience a growth spurt during this time of year.

Pansies Planting Seasons

You can plant the flowers in the winter, spring, or fall seasons. Nonetheless, since each season has its weather, you must protect your seedlings from extremes. Here’s a rundown of the best planting tips for each season:

Spring Planting

Spring is one of the most ideal seasons to plant pansies. To ensure successful growth, clear out the flower bed and fertilize it with organic material to improve drainage. Then plant only healthy seedlings with strong stems, lush foliage and no signs of disease. Ensure the flower bed gets enough sun.

Fall Planting

Fall is another excellent season to plant pansies in Denver. This time of year has cooler temperatures and occasional rain, which is ideal for growth. Choose a site that receives more sunlight during the day, prepare the soil and add organic material. Plant the pansy seedlings and water them regularly.

Winter Planting

Even if winter conditions seem tough, it is possible to plant pansies. You need to protect them from frost and frostbite. Plant the seedlings deeper than usual to protect the roots from extreme cold. Use a layer of mulch to prevent drastic temperature changes in the root zone.

Seasonal Care Tips

Denver’s climate is characterized by scorching highs to freezing lows. So if you want your pansies to decorate your garden for many months, use the following tips to help them thrive amidst the harsh conditions. You can also contact our gardeners for personalized plant care tips.

• Mulch the plants to protect the roots from extreme temperature
• Water pansies in dry seasons to prevent wilting
• Check the plants regularly for pests and diseases
• Shake off the snow on pansies to avoid damage
• Fertilize pansies to provide essential nutrients for growth

FAQs About Pansies

• What is the best time to plant pansies in Denver?

Fall is the optimal season to plant pansies in Denver. This time of year has cool temperatures and occasional rain showers.

• Can pansies survive Denver’s harsh winters?

Yes, pansies can withstand Denver’s harsh winters. Their adaptability, compact growth habit, and robust root system help them survive winter conditions.

• How often should I water pansies in Denver?

There is no set schedule for watering pansies. Nonetheless, you should water them two to five times a week during the dry spell.

• Do pansies require full sun or shade in Denver?

Pansies thrive well when exposed to the full morning sun and shaded against the intense evening sun.

• How can I prevent pests and diseases in my pansy Garden?

Remove debris from your flower bed to eliminate possible hiding places for pests. You can also use pesticides to eradicate infestations.

Improper watering leads to many problems, such as wilting and stunted growth. For this reason, you need to water your houseplants properly to keep them healthy. Nick’s Garden Center in Denver has compiled the best watering tips to help you avoid messes and get your plants blooming.

Common Challenges When Watering Indoors

There are two main problems with watering houseplants – overwatering and under watering. The two issues occur when you don’t know the quantity of water your plant needs. Furthermore, challenges result when you use the wrong watering tools. Whatever the cause, use the following ideas to streamline watering:

1. Choosing the Right Watering Tools

Proper watering of houseplants starts with the right tools. These appliances make watering more manageable. One of the most essential tools for this purpose is a can with a narrow spout. It delivers water to the plant’s base without splashing nearby surfaces. Other watering tools you need to avoid mess and keep your indoor plants thriving are:

• Self-watering planters. A self-watering planter provides a constant supply of moisture for your plants. With this watering system, you can no longer water your houseplants by hand.
• Moisture meter for plants. The meter keeps track of the moisture content in your planter. It helps you know when to water your houseplants.
• Plant pot saucers. This accessory is placed under the flower pot to trap water overflowing from the flower pot.

2. Choosing the Right Plant Containers

Good planters have adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. Such planters prevent problems, such as root rot, fungal growth, and yellowing of leaves. Furthermore, suitable planters are large enough for the roots of your houseplant to grow and spread.

3. Watering Techniques for Different Types of Plants

No one watering technique works for all types of plants. Thus, you should use the proper watering technique for your type of houseplant. Here is an overview of watering techniques for various houseplants:

• Flowering plants. Irrigate the plant’s root zone, ensuring the flowers have little or no contact with water. This will protect the flowers from fungal diseases, discoloration, and premature wilting.
• Foliage plants. Water the soil thoroughly, ensuring that the entire root zone is moistened. Allow excess water to drain out entirely so you avoid waterlogging.
• Succulents and cacti. Since succulents and cacti prefer drier conditions, limit the number of times you water them. Water the soil and let it dry out before watering again.

4. Managing Drainage

Good drainage is vital for indoor plant survival. It prevents root rot and reduces susceptibility to fungal diseases. In addition, improved drainage promotes nutrient uptake and protects against water damage.

How can you improve water drainage? Choose planters with adequate drainage holes at the bottom. The holes allow excess water to drain away, preventing waterlogging. Unblock the drainage holes from time to time to improve drainage.

5. Optimal Water Techniques

Optimal irrigation means providing the right amount of water, considering the pot size, plant species, and climate. This optimal watering method prevents over and under-watering, root rot, and fungal diseases. Some of the most critical techniques for optimal watering are:

• Watering directly at the base without touching the foliage
• Watering plants until water seeps from the drainage holes
• Allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering
• Letting excess water drain freely from the container

6. Watering When you are Traveling

When traveling, water your houseplants just before you leave. After watering, keep the plant container shaded to minimize water loss. If you travel regularly, invest in self-watering planters. This container will keep your plants watered while you are away.

Learn More About Caring for Indoor Plants from Nick’s Garden Center

Keeping healthy houseplants is a challenge, more so if you are doing it for the first time. You need to understand the plant’s specific needs, choose the right equipment, and establish a watering routine.

Without a horticultural background, you can end up ruining your indoor greenery. That’s where our full-service garden steps in. We offer plant care advice tailored to your type of indoor plant.

Contact us to learn more about caring for your indoor plant.

One of the best plant recommendations for a flowering garden is the pansy because it produces beautiful and colorful flowers in the first bloom of spring. Given the hot summers and cold winters of Denver’s continental climate, most gardeners often ask, when is the best time to plant pansies in Denver? Nick Garden Center will help you understand various aspects of pansies to determine the best time to plant pansies in Denver as follows. 

What are pansies?

Pansies are colorful, edible blooming flowers that are part of the Viola genus and Violaccae family and are often referred to as violets. There are two main pansy species: the hybrid version commonly cultivated in gardens, the garden pansy, and the wild pansy.

Garden pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are a hybrid flower created by breeding the wild pansy, Viola tricolor, with other types of pansies. The wild pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as heartsease and Johnny-jump-up, is a native European and West Asian wildflower that is a progenitor of the cultivated pansy. They were first discovered in the 4th century BC before William Thompson, and Lord Gambier started cross-breeding species in the 1800s to improve and create various colors, shapes, and sizes. 

Apart from providing vibrant blooms that create beautiful gardens, pansies are edible plants rich in vitamins A and C. You can use them to make syrups and salads or garnish soups and fruit. They are considered a romantic symbol of love and remembrance and have been mentioned in various literature, including Shakespeare, A Midnight Summer’s Dream. 

What do they look like?

There are various types of pansies with striking, vibrant blooms and beautiful color variations. A pansy can either have one of three primary color patterns. Some blooms have a single solid color, such as blue, yellow, white, and orange, without patterns.

However, other pansies have black lines resembling pencil lines radiating from the center across the petals. Other pansy types have two or more colors with dark or light-colored splotches at the center that resemble a face. 

Another distinct aspect of the pansies is their petals, as most pansies have five or six large heart-shaped petals that overlap and spread outwards to create flat, delicate, and vibrant blooms. The petal size can also range from 4 to 10 centimeters depending on the pansy type. 

When do they bloom?

You should consider planting pansies if you want beautiful, colorful, sweet-smelling, and earliest flowering plants in your garden. Modern garden pansies can be cultivated as annual or perennial, depending on the type of climate. 

Gardeners in hot climates treat pansies as annual plants because summer heat causes them to die. However, gardeners in cold climates treat them as perennial plants, although they last short durations, such as two years.

The type of climate also determines the flowering season for the pansy. For cool climates, pansy flowers bloom from spring to the start of summer before withering and dying out at the height of summer. In hot climates, pansies bloom from fall to winter before freezing solid and surviving the cold temperatures to later rebloom in spring.  

When is the best time to plant them in Denver, and why?

Denver has a semi-arid continental climate with hot summers and cold and snowy winters. The best time to plant pansies in Denver is during fall when the temperatures are cool and the ground is workable. It will allow the plants to grow and produce a colorful season of blooms from fall to winter and later rebloom in spring.

Gardeners in Denver should not plant pansies during winter because the freezing temperatures and ground frost will prevent the pansy from germinating. They should also avoid planting pansies during summer because the heat will cause the plant to winter and dry out before germinating and blooming.   

Are you considering planting pansies in your garden? Nick Garden Center is Denver’s best choice for quality and reliable pansies. Call us today!