Pansies are a total game-changer for your balcony because they’re low-maintenance and stay nice and compact. Plus, with so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can really let your personality shine through your container garden.
How do you get started with balcony pansies?
Before you start decorating with those cheerful blooms, you’ll need to pick your favorites. Most people go for the classic Garden Pansy, but don’t overlook the slightly smaller Johnny Jump Ups (Viola cornuta)—they look amazing in pots and window boxes! Both types come in a wild variety of colors, and here’s a fun tip: their flowers are actually edible.
Once you’ve picked your varieties, you have to decide: do you want to buy established plants or grow them from seed yourself? Growing your own takes a bit more patience, but the payoff is worth it—homegrown pansies are usually much hardier than the ones you find at the big-box stores.
When it’s time to plant, standard potting soil works just fine. Just make sure your container has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. I always recommend adding a drainage layer (like some pebbles or clay shards) because pansies can get sick if their roots sit in soggy soil. Finally, find a spot for your pots that gets full sun to partial shade.
What are the best companion plants for pansies?
Pansies are “light feeders,” meaning they don’t hog all the nutrients in the soil, so they play really well with others. If you want to create a beautiful mixed arrangement, try pairing them with:
- Daisies
- Daffodils
- Grape Hyacinths
- Tulips
- Forget-me-nots
When is the best time to plant them outside?
You can actually start putting store-bought pansies on your balcony as early as the beginning of February. They are surprisingly winter-hardy and can handle those last few frosty nights. If you’re starting from seed, you can sow them in early spring or between August and September. Just keep in mind that your bloom time will shift depending on when you start.
How do you care for balcony pansies?
To keep your pansies looking fresh and vibrant all season long, follow these simple steps:
- Use a fertilizer sparingly.
- Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soaked!).
- Pinch off any wilted or dead flowers to encourage new growth.
- Make sure you overwinter them correctly if you want them back next year.
