Sowing pansy seeds for fall in zone 9?

Question

I want to try to grow pansy from seed for my fall garden. When do I start the process? I have seed starting materials and grow lights. Someone please help!

Answer 1

You may be able to start your seed indoors if your home is cool enough and dark enough, but you might have better luck directly sowing them outside when the temperature drops since they are cool weather plants. They will need the temperature change in order to start the germination process.

According to this article: "Pansies can be difficult to start from seed. They require cool temperatures (60 - 65 degrees F.) And darkness, to germinate. Covering the soil with black plastic will help germination, but the soil should be checked daily to make sure it doesn’t dry out under the plastic. Once the shoots are visible, the plastic should be removed. Seeds generally germinate in 1-2 weeks, but allow 15 weeks from seeding to bloom".

You can check out the full article at:
http://gardening.about.com/od/plantprofiles/p/Pansies.htm

Hope this helps