Winter Pansies from Seed

Doug99

I don't have a greenhouse and using my garden shed (south facing windows but unheated) for the first time to try and bring on some winter pansies from seed. There is now about 3" of growth in individual small pots. I'm worrying now that with the cold weather moving in, will these continue to thrive and when can I expect them to flower and be ready for planting out?
Thanks in anticipation 

DimWit

Are they pansies or violas? The latter are quicker to grow and tolerate low temperatures more easily. Neither needs warmth, you can grow them in your garden shed until late winter or early spring, and place them in their final destination. If they're violas, and winter is mild (what seems unlikely for the latest forecasts), you could try a sheltered place mid-winter. Hope someone more acquainted with British climate comes with better hints, good luck (love violas) !

Doug99

Thanks DimWit - They're definitely winter pansies. Seems I need to be a little more patient

Dovefromabove

I would plant them out now. It's the shortening day lengths that will bring them into flower over the next few months. 

JoeX

As a slight aside, my pansies and violas are producing seed pods - should I collect them or let them fall where they are?

Dovefromabove

Snip them off, deadheading encourages more blooms 

JoeX

Dovefromabove says:

Snip them off, deadheading encourages more blooms 

See original post

 And save the seeds in the shed, or let them fall where they are?

Dovefromabove

With any luck you should be snipping them off as soon as the flowers have gone over and before the seeds have properly formed and certainly before they've ripened so no point in saving them. Leave them where they fall or gather and compost.