How to Grow Pansy

Start Pansy seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Pansy typically matures in about 50 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Pansy should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Pansy requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

Space Pansy plants 8 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Pansy has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Pansy is rated moderate. Allow seed pods to form after petals drop. Harvest when pods turn tan and before they burst open. Collect pods carefully, place in a bag to catch seeds as they eject, dry 1 week.

Properly dried and stored Pansy seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Many commonly sold Pansy varieties are F1 hybrids, meaning seeds saved from them will not grow true to the parent plant. For reliable seed saving, look specifically for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties.