When to plant Pansies in the UK

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
Sow indoors June to August, plant out August to October, harvest August to June.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYes

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    early June to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow in modules or trays around early June to early 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

    late June to early September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    late July to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From late 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

    early August to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant into their final spots around early August to mid-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

    late August to early June UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From late August to early June, pick off fading blooms. Snip back to a leaf and take off any yellowing foliage as you go.

  6. 06

    Harvest Flowers

    late August to early June UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pick blooms for small bunches from late August to early June, 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.