How to Grow Pansy
Viola tricolor
Hardy Cool Season Continuous Harvest
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 5 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Germination ~10d
Flowering ~70d
Sow seeds
Germination ~10d
Flowering ~70d
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser from planting through to the end of the flowering period. A high-potash feed encourages prolific flowering over a long season.
- Deadhead pansies regularly to prolong flowering and prevent leggy growth. Sow in late summer for winter and spring flowering, or in late winter for summer colour. They prefer cool conditions and will flag in heat.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
Min. soil temperature: 5°C+
Germination temperature: 15–18°C
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 20 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser from planting through to the end of the flowering period. A high-potash feed encourages prolific flowering over a long season.
- Watch for
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- Aphids on flower stems and new growth
- Powdery mildew in dry conditions
- Slugs and snails on young plants
- Pansy downy mildew (yellowing, white coating)
- Violet gall midge (distorted growing tips)
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Pest Slugs
Pest Violet gall midge
Disease Powdery mildew
Disease Pansy downy mildew
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Pansy?
- Plant Pansy 15cm apart with 20cm between rows.
- Is Pansy frost hardy?
- Pansy is classified as Hardy.
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