Pansy and viola care guide
Viola × wittrockiana
Also known as: Pansy, Viola, Garden pansy
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Pansy and viola
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- In the March-to-May peak, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; from the rainy season on, the heat generally finishes the plant.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Planting season: keep new plants moist until they root, then as a guide water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 4 days
- The soil dries slowly, so as a guide water on a sunny morning about two to three days after it dries; evening watering invites freezing.
Light and placement for Pansy and viola
A sunny spot outdoors, winter included, is about right; in poor light it flowers less and grows leggy, and since it likes cool weather, it is generally treated as an annual that gives out in summer heat.
Overwintering Pansy and viola
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Cold-hardy and generally overwintered outdoors; flowers and leaves wilt in frost but usually recover once the sun is on them, and pressing down frost-heaved plants and mulching the base limits damage.
Fertilizing and repotting Pansy and viola
Fertilizer
Beyond the base fertilizer at planting, liquid feed about every two weeks from October to May is the usual guide; in midwinter dilute it and cut back to about once or twice a month, then keep it up in spring as flowering picks up.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Pansy and viola
- Spent flowers left to set seed mean fewer new blooms.
- Too little sun makes the stems leggy and the flowers sparse.
- Overwatering in winter rots the roots.
Tips for growing Pansy and viola
- Pick spent flowers off at the base of their stalks and new ones keep coming.
- If it sprawls in spring, a hard cutback tidies it up and brings another flush.
- Planting from mid-October, once temperatures drop below about 20°C, gives sturdier plants that stretch less.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
