Avoid pansy production problems

To avoid problems with spring pansy production, Stanton Gill, extension specialist with Univ. of Md. Extension, advises growers to pay close attention to the crop. He said to maintain the growing medium pH between 5.6-6.0. When pH levels go above 6.0 plants can start to show deficiency symptoms of iron (interveinal chlorosis especially on young leaves) and boron (small, thick, puckered young leaves). To ensure adequate levels of boron, Gill said growers will apply Solubar at a rate of 0.25 oz. in 100 gallons of water. 1-2 applications are made during production of the crop. A medium ph above 6.0 also causes pansies to become more susceptible to Thielaviopsis (black root rot).