Everything About Pansies – How to Grow, Care & Protect Them From Frost

Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are among the most cheerful flowers you can grow.
They’re cool-season favorites, loved for their bright faces, long flowering period, and surprising cold tolerance.
Here are the most common questions gardeners ask — and all the answers you need to grow them successfully!

 

What’s the difference between pansies and violas?

Both belong to the Viola family, but:

• Violas (e.g. Viola cornuta, Viola odorata) have smaller, often fragrant blooms and can be perennial.
• Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are large-flowered hybrids bred especially for showy color and compact growth.

That’s why you’ll often see them labeled as large-flowered pansies — they’re the bold cousins of the daintier violas.

When should I sow pansy seeds?

For spring flowering: sow in July–August. The young plants will overwinter and bloom early next year.

For summer flowering: sow in late February to March indoors or in a greenhouse.

Keep seeds in darkness at +15 °C, lightly covered with soil or vermiculite. Germination takes about 10–14 days.

How to plant and care for pansies

1. Choose sunny or partly shaded spots with well-drained, fertile soil.
2. Transplant seedlings once they have 5–6 true leaves.
3. Space plants 15–20 cm apart.
4. Water regularly but avoid soggy soil.
5. Remove faded blooms to encourage new buds.

Cool, moist conditions make pansies thrive — they dislike heat and drought.

Can I plant pansies when the weather is cool?

Yes — cool weather is ideal!
Pansies establish best at +5 °C to +15 °C and handle light frosts easily.
Avoid planting in hot or dry weather, which can stress young plants.

How cold-hardy are pansies?

Pansies tolerate frosts down to –5 °C, and strong, established plants can survive –10 °C if protected by snow.
They’re among the few flowers that can bloom during early-spring chills.

How to make pansies bloom longer

1. Deadhead old flowers regularly.
2. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.
3. Keep soil evenly moist.
4. Trim back leggy growth to refresh plants.

What colors and forms do pansies come in?

Pansies bloom in a huge range of colors — from soft pastels and antique tones to vibrant bicolors and blotched “faces.”
At Therapy of Flowers you’ll find both classic and professional F1 hybrid series known for uniformity, weather resistance, and extra-large blooms.

How long do pansies bloom?

Sown in summer, pansies bloom from autumn until the following summer.
Sown in spring, they flower through late spring and early summer.
With good care, you can enjoy color for up to 9–10 months.

How to feed pansies

Start with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) for young plants, then switch to one higher in potassium and phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Organic compost, biohumus, or slow-release granules are also great for steady growth.

Can pansies overwinter in pots?

Yes! Pansies overwinter well in frost-resistant containers.
Place pots in a sheltered spot (like near a wall), make sure drainage is good, and cover plants with spruce branches or fleece when severe frost is expected.

Can pansies survive snow?

Absolutely — snow actually protects them!
It acts as a natural insulation, keeping the roots safe. When spring arrives, pansies quickly bounce back into bloom.

How to protect pansies from frost

Add a light mulch layer (straw, bark, or leaves) before heavy frost. Avoid overwatering before freezing nights. If in pots, move them to a sheltered place like under a porch or next to a wall.

Why are my pansies not blooming?

Common causes:

• Too much heat or strong midday sun.
• Lack of nutrients (especially potassium).
• Not removing faded blooms.
• Overcrowded plants.

Solution: Trim plants slightly and apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to restart flowering.

When to sow pansies for spring flowers?

Sow in July or August. Young plants will overwinter and start blooming in March or April, providing the earliest color in your garden.

Can pansies survive in pots over winter?

Yes — pansies do very well in pots if the container is frost-proof and drainage is good.
Avoid letting the soil freeze solid for long periods. Cover with garden fleece during cold spells.

Are pansies annual or perennial?

Pansies are technically short-lived perennials, but they’re grown as annuals or biennials in most climates. They flower best in their first year and are usually replaced the next season.

How long do pansy seeds stay viable?

Stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, pansy seeds stay viable for about 2 years.
After that, germination rates slowly decline.

Can I grow pansies indoors?

Yes — you can start pansies indoors under bright light and cool temperatures (10–15 °C).
Once seedlings have a few leaves, move them outdoors to strengthen before transplanting.

What’s the best soil for pansies?

Pansies prefer light, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH around 6.0–6.5.
Add compost or peat-based mix for moisture retention but avoid heavy clay.

Popular varieties available

• Viola x wittrockiana Inspire® – compact, uniform, and weather-resistant.
• Viola x wittrockiana Flamenco Terracotta F1 – warm terracotta tones with elegant form.
• Viola x wittrockiana Caramel Bronze Lilac F1 – soft caramel and lilac shades for romantic spring gardens.

Pansies — small yet strong, cheerful yet resilient.
Sow, grow, and let your garden bloom with color together with Therapy of Flowers. 🌸