Growing and Sowing Pansies

Pansies (Viola) are hardy, rewarding plants that are easy to grow from seed. They are versatile plants, highly loved for their long-lasting and colourful bloom. Thanks to their compact growth, pansies are ideal as a ground cover or as a colourful filler in pots and borders. The plants handle cold weather well and often flower early in the season. Pansies attract bees and other beneficial insects, making them a valuable addition and contributing to the biodiversity in your garden.

Sowing and growing Pansies

Pansies belong to the plant genus Viola and are native to the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe, Asia, and North America, where they grow in temperate climates and mountainous regions. The Latin name does not refer to a single species, but to a group of plants that includes wild species and cultivated pansies. There are annual, biennial, and perennial species. The annual and biennial pansies are widely used as garden plants and are often cultivated. Perennial species are common in the wild, but there are also perennial Viola species grown as garden plants, for example, as ground cover or in natural gardens.

Sowing Pansies in the garden

Depending on the species, pansy seeds can be sown outdoors in July or August for early spring flowering, while for a later bloom, you can also start indoors in February or March. Pansies are light germinators; distribute the seeds over the moist seed-starting mix and press down gently, or cover very lightly with a thin layer of soil.

The soil must be kept slightly moist after sowing. The ideal temperature is around 15°C to 18°C, after which the seeds will germinate within 10 to 14 days. As soon as the seedlings emerge, they should be moved immediately to a bright and slightly cooler spot to develop sturdy plants.

Position and soil for pansies

Pansies grow best in a location with full sun to partial shade. Although they bloom richly and abundantly in full sun, especially in spring and autumn, they do better in a shadier spot during summer to prevent dehydration and rapid aging of the flowers. The ideal soil is nutritious, rich in humus, and well-drained, meaning the soil should remain slightly moist but never waterlogged. Heavy clay soil can cause issues due to water retention, while sandy soil can be improved with compost or potting soil.

How to care for your Pansy plants

Caring for pansies is simple, as the plants are hardy and resilient. During dry spells, regular watering is important; the soil should stay slightly moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. To ensure a long-lasting and rich bloom, it is recommended to consistently remove faded flowers, including the stem, so the plant continues to form new buds. In spring, a light application of liquid plant food or organic fertilizer can boost growth and flowering, especially for plants in pots or containers.

Are Pansies bee and/or butterfly friendly?

Pansies are bee- and insect-friendly. They flower very early in the season, making them a valuable food source at a time when few other food sources are available for bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies. By planting them in the garden or in pots, you contribute to biodiversity and support beneficial insects early in the season.

Pansies in the vegetable garden

Pansies are a useful addition to the vegetable garden. They attract pollinators, which can improve the pollination of fruit and vegetable crops. Furthermore, they can help suppress weeds by covering the soil. In addition, pansies are edible. The flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used as a decoration in salads, desserts, or drinks. The young leaves of some species can also be eaten. However, always ensure that the plants are organic and safely grown without pesticides.

Are Pansies edible and/or medicinal?

Pansies are edible. Usually, only the flowers are used as a decoration. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The young leaves of some species can also be eaten. In traditional herbal medicine, pansies are used to support the treatment of mild skin and respiratory complaints, among other things. Always ensure that the pansies used for consumption are organic and have been grown without chemical pesticides.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally.

Pansy seeds in our collection

Our product range includes organic pansy seeds from the brand ‘De Bolster’ and 3 other kind of pieces from the buzzy seeds brand. 

Tips for sowing pansies

Remove faded flowers to ensure a long bloom. Consistently pinch or clip away withered flowers.