Thursday, April 4, 2013

Guide to Pansies


Pansy flowers (Viola x wittrockiana), members of the Violaceae plant family, are hybrids that originated in early 19th-century England. Europeans cultivated these delicate, wild blossoms for their gardens. Horticulturalists modified pansies to grow in white and black, a rainbow of hues including violet, red, orange, yellow, gold, bronze, blue and pink, and  mixed colors. Dark blotches in the center of a pansy flower form what is sometimes referred to as a face.
http://www.ehow.com/info_8159374_information-pansy-flowers.html
Read more: Information About Pansy Flowers

6" Pansies $2.99 each  4 for $10.99

Pansies have always been a favorite early spring flower, as they can withstand temperatures to 25ยบ at night.

They require mostly sun, although in the summer a little shade would help save them from the scorching hot sun. Choose strong plants with thick stems and leaves that are close together. 
Plant pansies in groups.  They will make a more effective and attractive display. 
Fertilize your pansies regulary- with any water soluble plant food or granulated slow release food- during the season.  They prefer to be moist but never soggy.  If the weather turns very cold, it's best to let the soil be dry during these times.  The plant will bounce back quicker from a freeze when it's a little wilted.
pansies don't mind the snowRemove spent blooms to keep it producing more flowers.  In the summer heat, you may want to cut the plant back (prune) and cover it slightly with some taller sun plants or a little mulch.  Since Pansies are cool weather bloomers, the stress of summer can take it's toll on them.  As soon as cooler weather returns, your pansies will perk up as well. 
Pansies can be used as a garnish in salads, and also can be eaten. 
They also make great flowers for pressing.  Put them in a flower press or large heavy book and wait a month or so.  Frame them, or add to stationary. 
 

                                            
 
 
 
PACK VIOLA
 
 
4"
PT PANSY
 
 
 
PT DUSTMILLER
 
 
 
1.50-GAL PANSY PLANTER
 
 
 
WINDOW BOX 15"
 
 
 
1.50-GAL PANSY COLOR BOWL
 
 
 
1.50-GAL PANSY HB
 
 
 
12-PACK PANSY
 
12" Cold Planter
 
            6-PACK PANSY
 
 
9pk
 
 
 
5.5" PANSY
 
 
 
1.5-GAL PANSY PLENTIFUL HB
 
8" Cold Planter
 
Others
 
1.50-GAL PANSY COLOR BOWL
900
 
306-PANSY
More cold tolerant annuals: 
Alyssum
Dusty Miller
Snapdragon
Petunias
Lobelia
Viola
Marigold


Dan Schantz Greenhouse Welcome Page



Map of BusinessWelcome to Dan Schantz Blogger Page, where we can post information in one place for your viewing pleasure.  To the right, you will see various posts we have submitted, be it amusing old news or helpful information on plants we are growing.  Feel free to respond, ask questions or contact us about anything you need more information about. 
Contact information: cthomas@danschantz.com  and I will be more than happy to direct your question or comment throughout our company, finding the right specialist to help you. 
Dan Schantz Farm and Greenhouses LLC is a nearly 60 acre greenhouse wholesale facility which supplies ornamental, vegetable, and seasonal plants and flowers throughout the east coast.  Dan has one retail store, an "outlet" where local retail customers can find a sampling of the vast selection of plants we grow.  90% of the items we sell at our retail store has been grown by Dan Schantz Greenhouses, the other 10% are shrubbery, trees or perennials. 
Dan has been growing quality plants for over 60 years! 

Where you can find us:
 Our website is www.danschantzgreenhouse.com
We post regularly on Facebook, this blog, and are currently learning Pinterest .  We
advertise weekly through spring on 99.9 the Hawk, various cable channels, (Lifetime, Hallmark, HGTV, A&E, etc.). 
Wednesdays we feature a full page ad with the Morning Call. 
Look inside Money Mailer of Bethlehem for coupons periodically through the seasons.

But mostly, you can always find us in Allentown:
Dan Schantz Greenhouse& Cut Flower Outlet
2031 29th st SW
Allentown, Pa  18103 
610-797-2774

Photo: Happy Easter from Dan Schantz Greenhouse

COLE CROPS -Cabbage, Lettuce, Broccoli etc.



Cole Crops are cool season vegetables (early spring or late fall) that withstand frost and chilly nights. 

Dan Schantz Greenhouse will only grow the best performing, best tasting and most disease resistant vegetable plants for this region.

We offer cole crops in 4 pack containers (lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower) and pint pots (purple cauliflower, cheddar cauliflower, celery, spinach)

They should be planted in March –April when the days and evenings are colder but not freezing.  Lettuce and spinach can be grown in containers. 

Plant your vegetables in loose, well draining potting mix and feed regularly.  Give each plant ample room to grow and enough space to keep air flowing between plants.  This will help discourage slugs and rotting stems.

Other garden pests to be aware of: cabbage worms (you will first see those cute little white moths flittering around- then you know you have cabbage worms) and Aphids.  Use pesticides such as sevin dust or an insecticidal soap, OR attract lady bugs *, parasitic wasps or other natural means of pest removal.    

Tips:   To protect cauliflower from sun scorch, gather the large outer leaves above the head and tie.  Harvest broccoli when the flower heads are tight and green.  Cut the large clusters off, leaving the plant in the ground.  It will produce one or more smaller flower heads in about 2 weeks.   Don’t let any cole crop “bolt” (make flowers).  When it’s time to harvest your vegetables, they need to be checked every day.  Waiting too long to pick them could damage them.   If your plants are small and not growing, feed them.  Feed, feed, feed.  Osmocote, Miracle grow, Vegetable food- water soluble or granular..just feed them according to directions.

 

 

attract lady bugs –

·  1

Make a plant spray to attract Lady Bugs. in a large spray bottle, dissolve 1 cup of sugar into about 4 cups of water, add 1/4 of a cup of honey. Shake the mixture vigorously to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Spray on plants. Lady Bugs are attracted to the sweet mixture.

·  2

Plant flowers to attract Lady Bugs. Incorporate flowers such as Geraniums, Lilies, Tulips and Cosmos in your garden. Also flowers with small white flowers will attract Ladybugs.  Planting Dill, Fennel and Feverfew will attract lady bugs as well.


Photo Top: Steve and his Cabbage from our garden last year.