Pansies, like many perennials, don’t like wet feet. They do better in the fall and winter than in the summer, when most plants do poorly because it rains a lot. S. People who live in areas that get a lot of rain may be wondering if pansies can grow in pots since they like well-drained soil.
Yes, they can! Plus, growing pansies in a pot makes their pretty faces stand out. They can be used as a statement planter’s focal point, as a splash of color, or as low-growing trailing plants amidst taller perennials. Growing pansies in a pot makes it easy to control the soil type and amount of water. Pansies grown in pots can do very well if they get the right amounts of these two things. So here are a few tips that will keep your potted pansy plants happy:
Pansies are one of the most popular cool weather annuals that can brighten up any outdoor space with their cheerful faces and wide range of colors. These hardy plants are ideal for planting in containers, allowing you to move them around to decorate decks, patios, and entryways. With proper care, pansies planted in containers can provide months of vibrant color even through frosty weather.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to successfully plant pansies in containers for stunning visual interest all season long.
When to Plant Pansies in Containers
Pansies thrive in cool weather, so they are generally planted in late summer or early fall in most climates. This allows them to become established before cold winter temperatures arrive.
The ideal time to plant pansies in containers is 6-8 weeks before your average first frost date. Planting them any earlier means they may struggle through the summer heat. Planting them later risks exposing small starter plants to freezing weather before they are mature enough to handle it.
If starting with seeds, they should be sown 10-12 weeks before the intended transplant date to ensure large enough seedlings. For transplanting nursery-bought starter plants follow the 6-8 week guideline.
In mild winter climates, pansies can also be planted in late winter or early spring. Just be sure to select cold-tolerant varieties suited for early season planting.
Choosing a Container
Pansies do well in just about any type of container – from traditional clay pots to decorative glazed ceramics to weather-resistant resin and plastic. Choose a container sized appropriately for the number of plants, allowing ample room for growth.
For about 3-5 standard pansy plants, a 10-12 inch wide (25-30cm) container is usually sufficient. Shallow pots 6-8 inches (15-20cm) deep work well to prevent overcrowding. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Use clean containers if reusing pots from previous years. Wash well with soap and water, then rinse. Disinfect pots by soaking them in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing.
Soil Mixture for Pansies
Pansies thrive in soil that drains well but also retains some moisture. The ideal potting mix is:
- 1 part peat moss – improves moisture retention
- 1 part compost – adds nutrients
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite – improves drainage
You can make your own mix or use a commercial soilless potting mix for containers. Whichever you choose, make sure it will drain well to prevent root rot in your pansies.
If using bagged potting soil, check the label to be sure it does not contain slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer will be added later.
How to Plant Pansies Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for planting pansies in containers that will have them thriving all season:
Fill Container with Soil
Add soil to the pot, leaving 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) of space below the rim. Gently pack down with hands to evenly distribute.
Fertilize Soil
Sprinkle a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) evenly over the soil surface following label directions. Gently scratch it into the top 1 inch (2.5cm) of soil.
Remove Pansies from Nursery Pots
Carefully remove pansies from their original plastic nursery pots, handling gently to avoid bruising stems. Loosening stubborn roots can be done by gently massaging or squeezing sides of pots.
Break Up Root Balls
Use your hands to gently loosen any thick, circling roots around the root ball perimeter so they can spread outwards once planted.
Plant Pansies at Proper Depth
Place pansies in containers at the same soil depth they were originally growing at in nursery pots. Plant a little high rather than too deep.
Water Thoroughly
Water newly planted pansies generously to settle soil and eliminate air pockets around roots. Check pots regularly the first week and water whenever top inch of soil becomes dry.
Enjoy the Show!
Now sit back and enjoy watching your pansies grow and flower abundantly. With proper care, they will keep your containers looking cheery even on frosty days.
Ongoing Care for Pots of Pansies
Pansies are fairly low maintenance once established, but they do need some basic care to thrive in containers all season:
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Watering: Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top 1-2 inches become dry. Avoid letting pots completely dry out.
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Fertilizing: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth and flowering.
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Deadheading: Pinch or snip off spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
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Grooming: Remove yellowed leaves and any dead or damaged growth to keep plants looking their best.
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Fall care: To overwinter pansies, move pots to a protected area and continue watering/fertilizing until hard freeze kills foliage.
With proper planting and care, pansies in containers will reward you with nonstop color from fall through spring. Their bright, smiling faces lift the spirits even on the dreariest days. Just be sure to give them excellent drainage, plenty of sun, and adequate water and fertilizer, and your container pansies will keep blooming their hearts out.
Transplanting Potted Pansy Starts
When the pansy starts are about an inch tall, pick a pot and some good potting mix. Potted pansy plants like soil that drains well, so make sure the potting mix is pretty light and choose a pot with holes in it. Follow the directions on the package to add slow-release fertilizer to the potting mix before putting your pansies in their new pots. Leave a few inches between each plant.
Starting Potted Pansy Plants
Pansies can be grown from seed 14 to 16 weeks before planting, usually in late January. Plant pansies from seeds and keep the soil moist. For best results, grow the plants under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill. You can also give them a diluted fertilizer after the seed starts have begun to leaf.
How to Grow Pansy from Seed in Pots or Containers
How to plant pansies in a pot?
Therefore, the pots or containers of pansies must have a good drainage system for the water to escape. To plant your pansies in a draining pot, first, fill it with potting soil mixed with compost. Create a hole in the center of the soil and carefully place the pansy inside it.
Can a pansy grow in a container?
When grown in container and pots pansies can brighten up patios, decks and porches during fall, winter, and well into spring. Here’s some helpful pansy growing tips: Scroll down for step-by-step planting instructions Choosing a Container First things first!
How much space do pansies need to grow?
When planting your pansies in a garden bed, allow 6 to 12 inches of space between each plant to give them room to grow. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball for each pansy so they have space to grow deeper roots. For container gardening, put three to four pansies in a 10- to 12-inch pot and one to two pansies in 6- to 8-inch pots.
Are pansies good for container gardening?
Pansies are a popular choice for container gardening for a number of reasons. They can endure colder temperatures because they are cold-hardy so those who live in cool climates can enjoy their beauty. This article lists our top 5 tips for growing pansies in pots or containers. 1. Selecting The Proper Container