Although these bedding plants have been for sale in supermarkets and garden centres for a couple of months now, the best time to plant pansies and violas is around mid-October. If you buy your plants too early you may find that they grow too much and become straggly by the time Winter sets in.
You can plant these flowers in beds, borders or in pots on the patio or even in hanging baskets but do make sure that they are located in sunny spots in the garden. The plants do not need feeding but do make sure that those which are planted in pots and hanging baskets are watered (but not excessively) from time to time.
Pansies can look a little bedraggled during rainy spells though they usually perk up once they have dried out again. The smaller petalled violas tend to fare better in the rain and will remain erect even after a heavy downpour. It is very important that you dead head flowers in order to encourage further flowering.
