Pansies: Charming Cool-Season Color for Pots and Borders

Botanical Name: Viola × wittrockiana

Velvety, flat-faced flowers in purple, blue, yellow, red, pink, white, and near-black make pansies timeless favorites. Each 5-petal bloom (2 top, 2 side, 1 lower) often shows 2–3 colors with contrasting blotches or veins. Biennials usually grown as annuals, they can be kept indoors to extend bloom time.

Growing Success

Deadhead Religiously

Pinch faded flowers to promote more blooms.

Moist but Not Soggy

Keep soil evenly moist. Dry soil fades flowers fast. Wilting despite watering suggests root/stem rot — the most common problem.

Cool and Bright

Lack of sun or high heat stops flowering. Pansies like it cool — shade from hot afternoon sun. Bright light to full sun in cool weather.

Quick Reference: Pansy Care

• Origin: Hybrids from English stock
• Height: 8 in (20 cm)
• Light: Bright light to full sun; partial shade in hot summers
• Water: Evenly moist, not soggy
• Humidity: Moderate; pebble tray. Don't mist — prone to powdery mildew.
• Temperature: Cool to average 60–75°F (16–24°C); winter hardy to USDA Zone 4; tolerates light frost
• Soil: Any good potting mix
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid every 2 weeks, diluted by half
• Propagation: Sow seeds early spring on moist mix, barely cover. Germinate at room temp; no light until sprouted.