Pansies and violas are cool-season flowers that bloom in spring and fall. Iowa State University Extension notes they are 4 to 10 inches tall with a similar spread and have low heat tolerance, so most decline in hot summers. Modern cultivars handle heat better than older ones. This page covers when to plant, care and problems.
Pansy at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Cool-season |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Plant spacing | 8 in |
| Row spacing | 8 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms in spring and fall |
| How to start | Iowa State gives early to mid-April for spring planting outdoors and early September for fall planting, lasting until snow. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant pansy
Iowa State gives early to mid-April for spring planting outdoors and early September for fall planting, lasting until snow. Replace plants with summer annuals in May. Sow seed 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor planting; germination is at 55 to 65°F. Check your frost dates.
How to plant pansy
- Use full to part sun. Choose part sun when temperatures are warm.
- Use moist, well-drained soil.
- Fertilize. Water-soluble fertilizer every 1 to 3 weeks, or a granular or slow-release type mixed in before planting; especially useful in containers.
- Check spacing with the plant spacing calculator.
Caring for pansy
Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry weather; see the garden watering calculator. In hot climates, remove plants in early summer and replant in early fall.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Snapdragons, spring bulbs and other cool-season flowers |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Hot, dry summer spots |
Johnny jump-ups reseed readily, and sweet violet and common blue violet persist by reseeding. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot and anthracnose | Wilting, spotted or collapsing plants | Named by Iowa State. Use well-drained soil and avoid overwatering; see the overwatering checker. |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and flowers | Iowa State lists slugs as a pest. See the pest identifier. |
| Decline in summer heat | Leggy, fading plants in hot weather | Replace with summer annuals in early summer and replant in early fall. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pansies are grown for color. Perennial types can be divided in spring.
Plan your pansy
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant pansies?
Space pansies 8 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant pansy seeds?
Sow seed 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor planting at 55 to 65°F; set plants out in early spring or early fall.
How long do pansies take to grow?
Pansies bloom in spring and fall, and most decline in hot summers.
How much water do pansies need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry weather.
Can pansies take heat?
Not well. Iowa State lists low heat tolerance, though modern cultivars handle heat better than older ones.
When do I plant pansies?
Early to mid-April in spring and early September in fall in Iowa's climate.
Do pansies reseed?
Johnny jump-ups reseed readily; sweet violet and common blue violet persist by reseeding.