How to grow Viola & Pansy
Updated October 2026
Violas and pansies are cheerful cool-season flowers with edible blooms in almost every color, loved for winter and spring color in beds, pots and hanging baskets. They are planted in fall across the South for flowers from fall into spring, and in early spring (or fall where winters allow) farther north. Summer heat eventually ends them.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Viola & Pansy
Not to be confused with: Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) have large flowers; violas, such as Johnny jump-up (Viola tricolor), have smaller, more numerous flowers and tend to be tougher. Wild violets are related perennials.
Where to plant
Plant violas and pansies in full sun to part shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist. They grow and flower best in the mild temperatures of fall and spring. Afternoon shade helps them last longer as spring warms.
Well-drained soil and good air circulation are the best defenses against the root rots and leaf diseases that affect them in wet weather.
- Florida, the Gulf South, Texas, the Desert Southwest and Southern California: plant in fall (about October to January) for flowers through winter into spring; pull plants when the heat arrives.
- Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic and Southern Plains: plant in fall for winter and early spring blooms, or in late winter to early spring.
- Northern California and the Pacific Northwest: plant in fall or late winter; flowering can continue most of the cool season.
- Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West and Northern Plains: plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer to fall for fall color; hardy types may overwinter under snow or mulch.
- Hawaii: plant in the cooler months, best at higher elevations. Alaska: plant in late spring; they flower through the cool summer.
Choosing a variety
Large-flowered pansies give the biggest blooms; small-flowered violas and Johnny jump-ups give many more flowers, tolerate heat and cold a little better, and often self-seed. Trailing types suit hanging baskets.
How to plant
- Buy transplants for fall planting, or start seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks ahead in a cool spot, covering it lightly as it germinates best in darkness.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, about 6 to 10 inches apart.
- Water in and mulch lightly to keep the roots cool and reduce soil splashing onto leaves.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and water at the base rather than overhead to reduce leaf spot and gray mold.
Feed lightly every few weeks with a balanced or flower fertilizer while plants are blooming.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming.
- Pinch back leggy plants in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
- Remove plants when they decline in summer heat.
Picking flowers
Pick flowers as they open, in the cool of the morning, and use them within a day or two. Only eat flowers you have grown yourself without pesticides; nursery plants may have been treated with systemic pesticides, so wait until new flowers form after a few weeks of growing them on.
Growing in pots
Violas and pansies are ideal for pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. Use a good potting mix, keep it evenly moist and deadhead often.
Using it
Use the flowers to decorate salads, cakes and drinks, freeze them in ice cubes, or candy them with egg white and sugar.
Companion planting
Violas make a colorful, edible edging for cool-season vegetable beds.
Good companions
- Lettuce Shares the cool season and moist soil, and makes a pretty edible border.
- Strawberry A low neighbor for the edge of a strawberry bed, flowering at the same time.
Pests and diseases
Most problems come from excess moisture, poor air circulation and overhead watering. Slugs are the main pest.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs and snails Holes chewed in leaves and flowers in damp weather.
- Aphids Clusters on buds and under leaves.
- Spider mites Speckled, dull leaves as the weather warms.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants wilt and decline in poorly drained soil; black root rot shows as blackened roots.
- Leaf spot Tan, brown or black spots on the leaves, spreading in wet weather.
- Anthracnose Pale yellow spots with black margins on leaves and spotted flowers.
- Powdery mildew White powder on the leaves, usually late in the season.
Common questions
When should I plant pansies and violas?
In fall in the South and other mild-winter areas, for flowers through winter into spring. In the North, plant in early spring, or in late summer to fall for fall color. Choose your region at the top of the page for the months.
Are pansy and viola flowers edible?
Yes. Use them in salads and on cakes. Only eat flowers from plants grown without pesticides; nursery plants may have been treated with systemic pesticides.
Why are my pansies dying in summer?
Heat. Pansies and violas grow best in mild fall and spring weather and decline in summer heat. Replace them with summer flowers.
How do I keep pansies blooming?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly, keep the soil moist, feed lightly every few weeks, and give them afternoon shade as spring warms.
What is the difference between pansies and violas?
Pansies have larger flowers; violas have smaller, more numerous flowers and are usually a little tougher. Both are grown the same way.
Sources we checked: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Viola x wittrockiana; Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pansy diseases and insect pests (HGIC 2105).
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