Planting and cultivating pansies: your practical guide to vibrant spring balconies

Pansies are flowers that symbolize longing, affection and thoughtfulness towards someone. They are also a symbol of friendship and loyalty. However, it's not only their symbolism but also their aesthetic appeal that makes so many people decide to cultivate pansies on their balconies or in gardens. Available in a variety of surprising colours and patterns, pansies are a real adornment to any balcony.

The best time to plant pansies is in early spring, that is, late March and early April. You can acquire pansy seedlings at this time from garden shops and even large markets. If you prefer, you can also cultivate pansies from seeds. The cost of pansy seeds is inexpensive and, like seedlings, can be obtained from garden shops or online. The best time to sow pansies is towards the end of July and the beginning of June. Pansies are biennial plants, meaning they bloom for two seasons consecutively.

You can plant pansies individually in separate pots, but they look most stunning in expansive flowerbeds and balcony boxes. If you're planting pansies, ensure the bottom of the chosen pot or box is lined with drainage, like pebbles. This will safeguard the flower's root system. Regarding the soil, pansies do not have high soil requirements. To grow healthily, they require soil with consistent moisture levels and a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

The soil should be mildly damp, but never waterlogged. Overwatered pansies can die. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to how many times a week pansies should be watered. Everything depends on the weather conditions. During warmer periods, you'll definitely need to water more frequently; in colder periods, less frequently. It's best to assess the soil's moisture level through touch. Pansies do not thrive under direct sunlight and they most definitely feel best in slightly dimmed locations.