Hello,
I live in Acton, MA which is near Lowell or Lexington and I would like to start some pansies as I read in a encyclopedia of annuals that pansies prefer to be started from seed when the temp is around 50 Degrees, but it doesn't say whether that's an mean temperature---the average of any given day. So, will my seeds rot with temperatures in our area is as follows: 65-71 F. Degrees-Daytime & 50-55 F. Degrees-Night-time (sometimes a bit cooler at night, but definately no frosts). FYI: We are just inside the Zone 6a area. It is critical that these do well as they are being started for our Church's Harvest Fair in Mid-November, by which time the pansies will need to be kept under shelter. However, how cold does it need to be before the pansies need to be brought indoors; and do they do OK indoors once they are of good size with good light? Thanks, and I will put this message in Flowers as well to double the chances of getting an answer, but if anyone CAN ANSWER, the time we hope to start them is on Saturday when we have several people helping with the job. Thanks very much!
Sincere Peace,
Thor
This message was edited Oct 9, 2008 7:36 PM
Pansies start best in cool weather, but how cold is that...?
I am not much help... but I have had them reseed outside from the spring planted flowers... don't think they will rot on you
I winter sowed pansy seed last march 3rd outside in a milk jug... they bloomed just fine come spring... not sure if you have enough time for them to bloom by then though... mine did not germinate until almost a month later... and bloomed much later than that... the photo shows them May 15th
I never had them start outside and then brought them in... always the other way around... so that I don't have an answer for you
Thanks Sherrie,
I did it, thanks! :-)
Sincere Peace,
Thor
I never start them from seeds, I buy them in spring and fall and just love them. They are one of my favorite flowers and so hardy, they love sun BTW!
This message was edited Oct 11, 2008 9:45 PM
Thanks for all the invaluable input all! I hope that I can be a more regular contributor, reader, etc. now that I am no longer handling a 1/8th of an acre of land planted F-U-LL (waaaay tooo full!) of vegetables, herbs, and fruit, as well as a bunch of companion plantings including lots of naturtiums (Peach Melba Gleam Mix, the Jumbo Gleam Mix, Empress of India, and others) with TONS of seeds all over them, though the larger ones are just now blooming and just beginning to produce a few seeds. Again, thank you, everyone!
Sincere Blessings,
Thor