When to Plant Pansies: Fall, Spring and Florida Dates

Garden pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) are compact violets, about 6 to 9 inches tall (NC State), grown for flat, often "faced" flowers in almost every color. UF/IFAS calls them cold-tolerant biennials grown as winter annuals in Florida; most gardeners treat them as annuals. Their season is the cool part of the year. NC State says they eventually succumb to summer heat, and Clemson says flowering declines once it gets hot, so timing is about giving them as many cool weeks as possible.

Spring dates by last frost

Pansies are slow from seed. University of Missouri Extension seeds them indoors in early to mid January for mid-Missouri and sets them out in late March or early April, a few weeks ahead of a typical mid-Missouri last frost. GardenPal turns that into an estimate for every region:

Fall planting

NC State recommends planting pansies in fall for winter and early-spring bloom, and Clemson says they do best when fall and spring are mild. UF/IFAS says they thrive once night temperatures stay below 65°F, and warns that planting too early, while it is still hot, leads to yellow leaves, stretched stems and more disease. GardenPal's estimate is to set fall plants out about 8 to 6 weeks before your first fall frost:

How far fall pansies carry through winter depends on your climate. UF/IFAS says mulch around the base helps insulate roots during cold snaps, and that planting when it is already too cold can stunt them. In cold-winter areas, plan on a fall display and treat any spring regrowth as a bonus (GardenPal note).

Florida and mild-winter areas

In Florida, pansies are winter flowers. UF/IFAS gives these planting months:

Site, soil and care

Diseases and pests

Wet soil is the main danger. Clemson Extension says black root rot develops more readily in poorly drained or very wet soil, and UF/IFAS warns of crown and root rot when it is warm and wet. NC State also lists leaf spot and powdery mildew, and Clemson notes Cercospora leaf spot in cool fall weather. Pests to watch for are slugs, snails and spider mites (NC State).

Pansies in the vegetable garden

Pansies bloom in the same cool weeks as lettuce, spinach and other cool-season crops, so they make a colorful edging for fall and early-spring beds. NC State says the flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. For other cool-season flowers, see when to plant snapdragons and when to plant sweet peas, and for what else goes in the ground now, what to plant in fall.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant pansies?

In fall, once nights cool toward 65°F, or in early spring. NC State recommends fall planting for winter and early-spring bloom; GardenPal estimates setting spring plants out about 4 to 2 weeks before your last frost.

Can pansies survive frost?

Yes, they are cold-tolerant. University of Missouri Extension sets them out in late March or early April in mid-Missouri, and UF/IFAS says mulch helps insulate roots during cold snaps.

When should I start pansy seeds indoors?

About 14 to 12 weeks before your last frost (GardenPal estimate). University of Missouri Extension seeds them in early to mid January for mid-Missouri. UF/IFAS says seed germinates only at 65 to 75°F.

When do you plant pansies in Florida?

UF/IFAS lists October to December or February in zone 8, November, December or February in zone 9, and November or December in zones 10 and 11.

Why are my pansies dying in summer?

Heat. Clemson Extension says pansies grow and flower best below 75°F, and NC State says they eventually succumb to summer heat and should then be removed.

Are pansy flowers edible?

Yes, according to NC State and UF/IFAS, but NC State warns that nursery plants may have been treated with systemic pesticides. Grow your own from seed for eating.