Does Sunlight Affect How Pansies Grow?

Climate and Sunlight

• Sunlight helps pansies bloom well, but too much sun will make them wilt. For this reason, pansies thrive best in cooler climates. Pansies enjoy the climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 6.

Intensity of Sunlight

• Summer sunlight is too intense in many areas for pansies. In these areas, the flowers grow best in spring and fall, but in the summer they die. Pansies thrive and bloom when daytime temperatures are right around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This means if your summer has high temperatures, you are better off letting your pansies die (or pulling them out) and planting new ones in the fall, when the temperatures cool off.

Amount of Sunlight

• Although pansies like cool temperatures, they do need the sun. These flower need exposure to a full day's worth of cool sunlight. Less amounts of sun will result in less flowers and thin, scraggly growth. Morning sun is best, as it dries the dew on the leaves of the plant.

Sunlight and Diseases

• Exposure to sunlight can also help prevent diseases, which in turn makes the pansies grow stronger and healthier. Pansies tend to suffer from water-borne diseases such as fungal diseases. Sunlight will keep the plants dry. If water is left to sit on the leaves, the flowers can develop leaf spot. Too much water in continually-shaded soil will result in root rot.