Along with their close cousins, the violets, pansies are easily some of the most popular plants for American gardens and window boxes. It’s not hard to see why—they come in almost every color of the rainbow and are incredibly low-maintenance. Plus, getting them in the ground is a total breeze. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to sunlight, pansies are pretty laid back. They’ll be perfectly happy in a sunny spot or in partial shade. As for the soil, they prefer something rich in organic matter but low in lime. You’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater. Pansy roots aren’t fans of “wet feet” and can develop root rot if they’re sitting in stagnant water.
When and How to Plant
The best time to plant depends on whether you’re starting with store-bought nursery plants or growing from seed. If you’re using balcony boxes or containers that you can bring inside during a cold snap, you can get started as early as February. For garden beds, it’s better to wait until March or April when the worst of the deep freezes have passed. When you’re ready to plant, space them about 4 inches apart to give them room to breathe.
Growing from Seed
If you’ve got a green thumb and want to start from scratch, you have two main options. If you sow your seeds in June, you’ll usually see your first blooms by October or November. Alternatively, you can plant them in September for a beautiful display the following spring. Here’s the game plan:
- Plant the seeds about half an inch to an inch deep.
- Keep the soil moist and the area shaded.
- After four to six weeks, thin them out or “prick” the roots to encourage growth.
- If you started them in pots, move them to their permanent home once they’re about two inches tall.
A Quick Tip on Buying Seeds
Most home gardeners opt for nursery starts because they’re affordable and convenient. However, pansies grown from seed often bloom longer and are a bit tougher against the elements. One pro tip: don’t try to save money by harvesting seeds from your own plants. Most modern varieties are F1 hybrids, which means the seeds they produce won’t grow into the same beautiful flowers you started with. It’s always better to buy fresh seed packets from your local garden center.
