Spring has finally arrived in Indiana! Daffodils are blooming, allergies are flaring, and nurseries are stocked to the gills with spring flowers.

Pansies are probably the most commonly available spring flowers. Despite their wimpy name, they stand up to cool weather and shake off frost like a spring weed. These cheerful little plants are perfect for adding a splash of spring color to your entryway. Due to their small stature, Pansies are easily lost in the landscape unless planted in mass groupings. However in containers, they are the stars of the show.

Colorful Pansies

Pansies come in just about every color combination imaginable. But, unless you start them from seed, most of us are at the mercy of whatever varieties our local nurseries carry. They are usually stocked in a jumble of colors. This can create a fun planting. Still, don’t be afraid to reorganize a six-pack or a flat at the nursery to narrow it down to one or two of your favorite colors.

Limiting the variety of colors in a planting creates more of a visual impact and is more aesthetically pleasing than a wild mix of colors. That said, if a wild mix of colors is more your style, ignore my advice and go for it. You really can’t go wrong mixing Pansies.

To make the planting pop even more, use a container that is the same color as or a complimentary color of the predominate color in your Pansies.

Creating a Full Container

Make sure to purchase enough plants to fill your container, and look for plants that have lots of unopened buds. Ignore the spacing recommendations on the tag and plant them side by side in regular potting soil (not heavy garden soil). Water when soil feels dry and make sure to place the container in a sunny location. Too much shade will reduce the number of blooms and make them leggy.

Edible Pansies

Bonus Tip: You can eat pansies!

Most varieties have a mild flavor, often slightly minty, and are generally used as a fun garnish rather than the main ingredient.

Pick a few blooms to brighten up a salad, decorate cupcakes, freeze in ice cubes and popsicles, or even bake them into cookies. Make sure to buy organically grown Pansies (try your local farmer’s market) or grow your own from seed if you’re planning on eating them!