How to Care for Viola Pansies

Plant violas in a sunny bed with extremely well-draining soil. Avoid areas where water pools excessively during the rainy season or where there is an abundance of overhanging vegetation.

Water violas to a depth of 1 inch every five to seven days during the summer months. Use a watering can or garden hose with a shower-type nozzle to water them since these devices will distribute the moisture evenly without disturbing the soil around the base of the plants.

Feed violas once a month during the growing season with 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer. Apply 1 tsp. of fertilizer per square-foot of area in the bed. Cease feeding in September once the plants stop blooming. Follow the label directions carefully when applying the fertilizer.

Prune off and discard the flowers as they fade to prolong the blooming period. Remove the flowers just below the base either by pinching them off or by cutting them off with a pair of floral snips.

Watch for the appearance of brownish spots on the leaves, which indicates anthracnose, a fungal infection common to pansies. Treat the infection with a fungicide specifically designed to target anthracnose. Follow the directions carefully when applying the fungicide to prevent harm to the plant.

Remove pansy plants from the bed in autumn of their second year after they die back. Pull up the entire plant and discard it into a green-waste bin. Do not plant pansies or other types of violas in the bed for at least three years since the soil will need time to recover.