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When to Plant Pansy in Memphis, Tennessee (38136)

Location

Memphis, Tennessee

ZIP Code

38136

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, April 3, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Start Pansy seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Viola x wittrockiana
Days to Maturity 50 days
Mature Height 6-10"
Spread 9"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

8" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Pansy in Memphis?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 23, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

Spring BulbsVegetables
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Pansy

See which plants help Pansy thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
⚠️ Many varieties are F1 hybrid — look for OP/heirloom types

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods to form after petals drop. Harvest when pods turn tan and before they burst open.

Processing

Collect pods carefully, place in a bag to catch seeds as they eject, dry 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Most garden pansies are F1 hybrids and won't grow true. Viola cornuta and V. tricolor are good OP alternatives.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Pansy. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pansy in Memphis, Tennessee? +

In Memphis (Zone 8a), start Pansy seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Memphis, Tennessee? +

The average last spring frost date for Memphis, Tennessee (ZIP 38136) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Pansy take to grow? +

Pansy typically matures in about 50 days from transplanting. In Memphis, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 3, 2026 plus 50 days.

Should I start Pansy indoors or direct sow in Tennessee? +

Pansy should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Memphis, that means starting around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Memphis

Growing Pansy in Zone 8a

Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) is a popular garden vegetable. In Memphis, Tennessee, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Pansy seedlings outdoors around Friday, April 3, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.