Pansies and violas are the friendly faces of the cool-season garden — cheerful, edible flowers that bloom right through winter and make the prettiest garnish. Perfect for tucking around the edge of a raised bed.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 15–20 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
- Time to harvest: from planting, through the cool season
When to plant: Pansies and violas love the cool — plant from autumn through winter for months of flowers when little else blooms. They fade in summer heat. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Plant seedlings into rich, moist mix. Deadhead regularly and they'll flower non-stop through the cool months. Violas self-seed happily.
How to use it: The whole flower is edible, mild and slightly grassy — beautiful pressed into cakes, frozen in ice cubes or scattered on salads. They're among the prettiest edible flowers going.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and slugs and snails, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.
Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.
Where to plant it: A lovely winter edging and container flower; brightens the beds when the veggies are resting. See our companion planting guide.
More growing guides: dianthus, cornflowers and calendula.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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