How to grow Pansy Seeds
Pansies can be grown for spring or summer flowering, depending on when you sow the seeds. They are also well suited to containers, hanging baskets, and seasonal bedding displays.
When to Sow Pansy Seeds
For autumn planting to bloom in spring, seeds can be sown from May to early July. For summer flowering, sow the seeds in March and treat them like summer bedding plants.
How to Sow
Sow the seeds in trays in well-draining soil and cover them with vermiculite. Place the seeded trays in an environment with a temperature of 15–18°C for germination.
Germination Conditions
Avoid high temperatures and fluctuating moisture levels to prevent failure.
Transplanting
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into trays or 7 cm square pots using a similar compost.
Allow the plants to grow on in a frame until September, when they will be ready for planting.
Containers & Hanging Baskets
For planting in containers and hanging baskets, early spring planting is often more successful. Sow seeds in August or September, prick them out into 9 cm pots, and overwinter them in a cold frame before planting up in early March.
Cover them only in severe weather.
Pests & Diseases
Monitor for pests and diseases. Aphids are common, and regular spraying with suitable insecticide can help. Slugs may also be a problem in wet seasons, and watch out for leaf spot.