Pansies: the first flowers to plant in spring—nurture them right, and they'll bloom all summer
Pansies can handle even a light frost. Caring for them includes weekly fertilization, regular watering, and removing withered flowers.
Pansies: growing conditions and planting
Pansies do well in full sun or partial shade. In intense midday sun, they may wilt. A spot that gets morning sun is ideal. They're perfect for the earliest container plantings in spring, as they can handle temperatures down to -5°C (23°F).
Choose the right soil for pansies
Pansies do best in nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix. If you use garden soil, mix in slow-release fertilizer granules or compost.
Caring for pansies
Fertilize pansies weekly from spring to autumn with a water-soluble plant food. Water regularly and remove withered blooms. If pansies fade, cut them back and fertilize. They'll bounce back in a few weeks. If you're going on vacation, trim them ahead of time.
Propagating pansies
Sow garden pansy seeds in July, then transplant them into the flower bed in August or September. Biennial pansies will bloom the following spring, starting in April. Alternatively, sow them indoors in January or February for flowering from May onward.
