Are Pansies Perennials That Will Come Back After Winter?

2023-10-10
Are Pansies Perennials That Will Come Back After Winter?

Pansies are cool-season workhorses, providing cheerful color in spring and fall when not much else is blooming. But if you're wondering, are pansies perennials that will survive freezing winters, the answer is that they are are technically short-lived perennials. They can overwinter in areas as cold as Hardiness Zone 4, but a layer of insulating snow or mulch can help increase their chances of surviving the coldest conditions. However, pansies are usually grown as annuals in most areas of the U.S. or as biennials in areas with cool summers and mild winters.

Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) don’t reliably keep coming back year after year unless they self-seed. And because most purchased pansies are hybrids, the plants that result from self-seeding likely won’t look the same as the parent plants.

Types of Pansies

Pansy blooms are commonly divided into solid colors, stripes, and faces or blotches. Breeders have developed large, petite, and even frilly-petalled varieties. Pansies can have single, semi-double, or double flowers, and they bloom in shades of blue, yellow, orange, purple, burgundy, white, peach, and pink.

People sometimes refer to pansies as violas, and while they are related, violas typically have much smaller flowers. Some violas are perennial, though, so if you are looking for pansy-like blooms and colors but want a perennial, check out these native perennial violas: Labrador violet (Viola labradorica), common blue violet or wood violet (V. sororia), and birdsfoot violet (V. pedata)

When to Plant Pansies

Most of us buy pansies in four-packs or six-packs from the garden center, so the selections are limited. These pansies can be planted in the fall in much of the U.S. for color during autumn and even early winter in warmer areas. Many gardeners plant pansies in the spring once the soil is workable. You can set them out when there is still a danger of light frost, but wait to plant them until hard freezes are not likely.

Choose a location in full or part sun with good drainage. Work in some compost and loosen the soil. Make a hole and plant pansies at the same depth as in the container. Firm up the soil around them and water them well. Add a layer of mulch around them to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.

Growing Pansies from Seed

Pansies are easy to grow from seed. Starting pansies from seed allows you to take advantage of all the unique color and flower variations not usually available at garden centers. However, pansies can take a while to germinate, so you'll want to plan ahead and be patient. 

  1. Fill a tray with a moistened, high-quality seed-starting mix.
  2. Sow the pansy seeds indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Press the seeds lightly into the growing medium. 
  3. Cover the entire flat with a few sheets of newspaper or place it into a black bag. Pansy seeds require darkness to germinate. Check occasionally to confirm the growing medium remains moist.
  4. After the seedlings pop up in about two to three weeks, remove the covering and provide bright, direct light.
  5. You’ll need to supply supplemental lighting, such as a grow light, because a sunny window usually isn’t enough to keep them from getting leggy.

When the seedlings are robust and the weather has warmed, they are ready to transplant to the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What temperature kills pansies?

    Most pansies can withstand temperatures down to about 5℉. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, so check the tags or product description when purchasing if you are a cold-climate gardener. To help pansies survive chilly temps, provide a thick layer of mulch before bitter cold weather sets in. Six inches of straw works well, but shredded leaves or other organic material will also help.

  • Are pansies edible?

    Yes, pansies are edible. The petals are popular as a garnish in salads or baked goods and can be used to make candies and jellies. They can add flavor to a simple syrup and can even be dehydrated or frozen for future use. The flowers taste faintly like mint or wintergreen.

  • How long do pansies bloom?

    Pansies bloom until the summer heat or a heavy frost knocks them back. The show will last for many weeks with the right weather. Deadheading them encourages new flowers.

  • Do deer eat pansies?

    Unfortunately, deer eat pansies, and rabbits like them too. If you have four-legged plant nibblers, try deer repellents or other methods to keep your pansies safe.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.