Climatic Needs

• Pansies grow and flower in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. The flowers may remain in bloom throughout winter in subtropical climates that don't experience prolonged freezing periods. The flowers thrive in temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees. Mulching helps the plants survive short periods of freezing. The flowers and foliage may wilt and die back, but the pansies resume blooming when the temperatures rise if the roots don't suffer cold damage.
  
  

Planting Site

• Beds with full sunlight result in the most abundant flower display but choosing a location with some afternoon shade helps prolong blooming into the warmer summer months. Pansies grow best in beds supplied with ample organic matter. A well-drained site prevents too much moisture from collecting in the soil around the plant roots. Working compost into the soil before planting improves drainage in less ideal soils. Pansies also grow well in planters and hanging baskets.
  
  

Moisture Requirements

• Too much water leads to poor nutrient uptake and may eventually cause root rot and plant death. Pansies need approximately 1 inch of water a week from rainfall or irrigation. Irrigating once weekly with enough water to moisten 6 inches of soil typically provides sufficient moisture. A 2-inch layer of mulch spread over the bed keeps moisture in the soil and provides cold insulation to the planting bed.
  
  

Fertilization

• A slow-release fertilizer requires fewer applications than the soluble variety. A general-purpose 5-10-5 blend provides the necessary nutrients for abundant blooms. An application before planting provides enough nutrients for the pansies to establish in the bed. Reapplication every three months while the pansies are growing replenishes the garden bed nutrients. Pansies primarily need phosphorus, which helps them form blooms. High-nitrogen fertilizers lead to abundant foliage growth but fewer flowers. The center number in the fertilizer blend indicates phosphorus content.