Pansies in London
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Pansy
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
29 Apr – 13 JunSow seeds around 29th April - 13th June in modules or a spare seedbed, using a fine seed compost and a light covering of . Keep the compost just moist and place trays in a bright, cool spot for steady germination.
Prick Out Seedlings
11 Jun – 25 JunWhen the seedlings are large enough to handle, from 11th June, prick them out into individual pots. Pot them on before they become rootbound so they make sturdy plants for planting out.
Harden Off
16 Jul – 30 JulFrom 16th July, harden plants off over about in a sheltered, bright spot. Reduce watering a little and get them used to outdoor conditions before planting out.
Plant Out
21 Sept – 26 OctPlant into their final positions around 21st September - 26th October, spacing them apart. Water them in thoroughly straight after planting and keep fleece handy if a cold snap is forecast.
Deadhead Flowers
22 Oct – 5 JunFrom 22nd October to 5th June, pick off fading blooms to keep plants flowering for longer. Snip back to a leaf joint and remove any yellowing foliage as you go.
Harvest Flowers
22 Oct – 5 JunPick blooms for small arrangements from 22nd October to 5th June, cutting in the cool of the day. Harvest regularly, but 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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Pansy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.