Pansy

Viola × wittrockiana · Flower

Quick answer: Water: Keep moist; check every 2–3 days (estimated); keep evenly moist, about 1 in per week. Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in warm areas. Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH 5.8–6.5 (estimated). Pets: The ASPCA plant list has no separate entry for Pansy, and it is not generally known as toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A cool-season favorite with face-like flowers in bright and soft colors. It brings color when most plants rest, in spring and, in mild climates, through winter. Summer heat ends its show, so it is grown as a seasonal annual.

💧WaterKeep moist; check every 2–3 days (estimated)

☀️LightSun to partial shade

🐾PetsNo known toxicity

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade in warm areas
Water: Keep evenly moist, about 1 in per week
Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH 5.8–6.5 (estimated)
Temperature: Best 45–65 °F; takes light frost; fades above 80 °F (estimated)
Spacing: 6–8 in apart
Container: At least 6 in deep; window boxes work well
Bloom: Cool seasons: autumn to spring in mild climates
Lifespan: Biennial, grown as an annual

When?

Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in early autumn for winter and spring flowers in mild climates. Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before planting out. In mild coastal areas autumn planting (September–October) works best (estimated).

Step by step

Cover seeds lightly, about 1/8 in, and keep them dark at 65–70 °F; they sprout in 7–14 days (estimated).
Grow seedlings in a bright, cool place around 55–65 °F.
Plant 6–8 in apart at the same depth they sat in the pot.
Add mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Feed every 2–3 weeks with a liquid fertilizer, following the product label.
Pick off faded flowers and seed pods to keep blooms coming.

Common problems

Long, stretched stems and few flowers in summerNormal heat decline; cut back or replace with summer plants.

Holes in leaves and slime trailsSlugs or snails; hand-pick in the evening and use traps.

Yellow leaves and rotting stemsToo much water; improve drainage and water less often.

Pets

The ASPCA plant list has no separate entry for Pansy, and it is not generally known as toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Petunia Cyclamen Begonia

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.