When to plant Pansies in Bristol

Viola x wittrockiana

Pansy
Pansy · Viola x wittrockiana

Hardy bedding plant grown for long-lasting colour in UK gardens. Start plants in summer for winter display, or in late winter to spring for summer bedding, then plant out into beds, borders, or containers in free-draining compost or soil. Keep watered in dry spells and deadhead regularly to extend flowering.

20 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Sow indoors May to August, plant out August to October, harvest September to June. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    19 May to 14 Aug

    Sow in modules or trays around 19th May - 14th August. Use a fine seed compost and a light covering of . Keep the compost just moist, and stand the trays in a bright, cool spot.

    • A spare outdoor seedbed works if you have no trays.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    9 Jun to 18 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 9th June, prick them into individual pots. Pot them on before they get rootbound so they make sturdy plants.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    14 Jul to 23 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 14th July, harden plants off for about 10 days in a sheltered, bright spot. Ease off the watering a little and get them used to outdoor weather before planting out.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    19 Aug to 23 Oct

    Plant into their final spots around 19th August - 23rd October. Space trailing plants apart, or about for bush types. Water them in well.

    • They take sun or a little shade.
    • Water the soil, not the leaves. Wet leaves invite downy mildew.

  5. 05

    Deadhead Flowers

    2 Sept to 20 Jun 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 2nd September to 20th June 2027, pick off fading blooms. Snip back to a leaf and take off any yellowing foliage as you go.

  6. 06

    Harvest Flowers

    2 Sept to 20 Jun 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pick blooms for small bunches from 2nd September to 20th June 2027, in the cool of the day. Leave enough flowers on the plant to keep the display going.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Pansy.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Pansy to consider

Delta Premium Pure Golden Yellow

Large, reliable golden flowers for bedding and containers.

Matrix Mixed

Compact plants with a broad colour range and a tidy habit.

Cool Wave Blue Skies

Trailing plants suited to hanging baskets and larger containers.

Frizzle Sizzle Lemonberry

Distinctive frilled flowers for a more decorative display.

Pansy guides by town

See how Pansy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.