Panning for Pansies How to Successfully Plant and Grow This Popular Flower from Seed

Pansies are among the most beloved cool-season flowers, admired for their cheerful faces and wide range of vibrant colors. If you’re dreaming of a garden bursting with pansy blooms, growing them from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective option. With a little patience and the right conditions, you can enjoy a stunning display right from your own hands. Start by selecting high-quality pansy seeds, preferably from a trusted nursery or seed supplier. Since pansies prefer cooler weather, it’s best to start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your region's last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix in trays or pots, and gently press the seeds into the surface without covering them too deeply—pansy seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and the temperature around 65–70°F (18–21°C). You should see sprouts within 10–14 days. Once seedlings emerge, place them in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. After they develop a couple of sets of true leaves, you can begin hardening them off—gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. When the weather is consistently cool (not freezing), transplant them to a well-drained garden bed or containers with partial to full sun. Water pansies regularly, but avoid soggy soil. Adding a slow-release fertilizer will help them flourish. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering, extending their colorful presence.