Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are cheerful, cool-weather annuals prized for their wide array of colors and unique “face” patterns. These hybrid flowers are one of the first to appear in spring and one of the last to fade in fall, providing reliable color when many other plants are dormant.
Finding Pansies Locally
The most common sources for purchasing pansies are local garden centers, independent nurseries, and large home improvement chain stores. Independent nurseries often carry a wider selection of unique cultivars, while chain stores generally offer a greater volume of the most popular varieties. Pansies are highly seasonal, with heavy stock arriving in early spring, often before the last frost, and again in late summer for fall planting.
To find the freshest stock, a quick online search for local garden center hours and current inventory is often the most efficient method. Calling ahead is also a reliable way to verify that a store has received its seasonal shipment, preventing a wasted trip.
Timing Your Planting for Success
Pansies are cool-season annuals, meaning planting time is dictated by moderating soil and air temperatures, both in spring and fall. For spring planting, the ideal window opens as soon as the soil is workable and the temperature stabilizes between 45°F and 65°F (7°C and 18°C). Pansies can tolerate a light frost after planting, but establishing them when temperatures are consistently above freezing allows for better root development before the heat arrives. Planting too late in the spring or allowing them to remain through the intense heat of summer will cause the plants to decline quickly and “bolt,” or stretch out and stop flowering. For a fall planting, the goal is to establish a robust root system before the first hard freeze, typically about six weeks prior to the expected date.
Selecting the Healthiest Plants
Look for plants with compact, sturdy growth, avoiding those that appear stretched or “leggy,” which is a sign of being grown in inadequate light. The foliage should be a deep, uniform green without any yellowing, brown spots, or evidence of mold, which can indicate fungal disease. It is best to select plants that have numerous tight buds rather than those already covered in fully open blooms. Plants with many open flowers have expended a lot of energy in the small nursery container and may experience greater transplant shock. Gently check the drainage holes to ensure the roots are not circling the pot excessively, as root-bound plants will struggle to establish themselves quickly in the garden.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Pansies prefer a location that receives full morning sun but offers some light afternoon shade, particularly in climates where temperatures consistently rise above 65°F, as this helps prevent heat-induced decline. Planting pansies in rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.2, will provide the best foundation for growth. Watering should be consistent to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot; a thorough drink of about an inch of water weekly is a good general guideline.
To fuel the long blooming season, pansies benefit from regular feeding with a balanced, liquid fertilizer applied every two to four weeks. Alternatively, a granular, slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil at planting time to provide continuous nutrients. The practice of deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages new flower production and prolongs the overall display. Pinch off the faded flower and the small seed capsule that forms behind it, as this prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production instead of new buds. If plants become too leggy, a light shearing can encourage a bushier, more compact habit and a fresh flush of blooms.