How to Select and Grow Pansies
Pansies are old-fashioned favorite flowers that are gaining new popularity. Improved varieties and better hardiness are why more gardeners are buying and planting these cheerful spring bloomers.

Pansies vs. Violas
Pansies are Viola hybrids, officially known as Viola x wittrockiana, with a complex ancestry that includes several species. They are often called Johnny jump-ups. Biggest difference between them is the flower size. Pansies have a larger flower face while violas have a small cute face. Both are hardy and showy.

Pansies and Violas are considered short-lived perennials but are used as annuals or biennials. They are often called Johnny jump-ups. Both pansies and violas have the same hardiness.

How to Grow Pansies & Violas
Pansies/Violas are considered short-lived perennials but are used as annuals or biennials. Neither are difficult to grow. Good soil, steady moisture, and at least partial sun will provide the results you're looking for. You can plant viola/pansies as early as the soil can be worked in spring.

Plant pansies/violas 6 to 8 inches apart. They can be used as borders, or in larger masses, but don't count on a solid ground cover. The plants are more clumping than spreading.

Pansies/violas respond well to regular deadheading, pinching off faded blooms. This will spur plants to continue blooming

Mixing Pansies/Violas with Other Flowers
A technique gaining in popularity is to plant with spring-blooming bulbs. This is a great way to get more color from your beds until it's time to plant summer annuals.

Maryjo & Steve Bedford