Pansy Seeds

pansy flower facts

There’s hardly a more cheerful garden tenant than the precious pansy. Pansies, whether they be petite Johnny Jump-Ups or violas in the Swiss Giant series, are a beautiful addition to any garden.

Pansies aren’t just cute—did you know the blooms are edible too? Viola flowers are the perfect garnish for a spring garden salad. Slightly spicy, the rainbow shades of these easy-to-grow wildflowers turn any dish into a work of art. Try the delicate petals candied, too!

Pansies are one of the easiest flowers to grow. These plants can be sown as biennials in temperate climates, often blooming through the winter and into spring. These cool-season flowers grow as perennials in some climates—and are known for self-seeding. One planting of pansies is sure to multiply, but there isn’t a better plant to sow as ground cover!

Even though pansies are delicious, deer tend to keep their distance, making violas a great companion plant or border plant for your eating garden. Pansies are fragrant, drought-resistant beauties that attract a host of native pollinators and beneficial insects. Sow some pansy seeds in your garden this year, and watch your fruits and vegetables produce even more than you thought they were capable of.

how and when to plant pansy seeds

Pansies take time to grow, so start seeds indoors at least 10 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after the last frost in fertile, well-draining soil. Pansies benefit from partial shade in hotter climates and full sun in cooler climates. Cover pansy seeds with soil—they need darkness to germinate.

There is hardly a flower that is more content to grow anywhere as lovely violas. Plant in the field or in containers and watch pansies add a pop of color to any space.

Pansies make a lovely addition to cut flower arrangements! The bicolor and tricolor blooms in all shades of yellow, mahogany, purple, blue, and black make for striking filler and accent flowers in bouquets. To force pansies to stretch upwards and grow long stems, plant pansies three to four inches apart. Pinch off dead heads to keep more blooms coming.

Why not give pansies a go in your garden this year? Check out Eden Brothers’ Pansy Seeds Mix for the most variety, or pick out one (or more) isolated varieties like Swiss Giants Silverbride. You really can’t go wrong with pansies in your garden.

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting pansy seeds, see the Pansy Seeds Planting Guide.