Plant Pansies in Pots

Autumn and winter are the best seasons to use pansies to add happy colour to garden beds and pots. These charming little plants with their happy faces come in so many variations of colour and variety that they can suit any garden situation.

Growing tips for Potted Pansies

To get the best out of your pansies choose a position that gets morning sun or full sun in winter. If there is too much shade the number and size of flowers will be reduced and the plant will become spindly.

Pansies grow in a wide variety of soils but do best in a good garden loam that is well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Don’t plant pansies in the same place for more than three consecutive years, as this can encourage nematodes. Alternatively, plant them in different beds or grow them in pots.

Before planting out seedlings bought from a garden centre, sprinkle them with water and let them stand a while. Carefully remove the plants from the trays and tease out the roots so that they don’t remain in a clump.

Gently firm the soil around the roots, taking care not to firm the soil too tightly or plant too deep – the crown should be above soil level. Water the plants well.

Water once a week during the growing season, but not in the late afternoon or evenings.

Fertilise about one week after planting and thereafter every 3-4 weeks. Liquid fertilisers are the safest as they won’t burn the plants.

Remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, to encourage more flowers, and to extend the blooming period.

Pansies seldom have problems with insects and diseases. If insect or disease problems occur, treat them early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicides.