It is wise to prepare a pansy bed before the plants arrive so there will be no delay in setting them out. It is good practice to apply enough bonemeal to make the surface quite white before spading or tiling.
After setting out the plants, puddle them or give them a good soaking. Follow this with a booster solution made by adding two tablespoons of fish emulsion to a gallon of water or use a complete soluble plant food following the directions of the manufacturer on the package. Apply a cupful to each plant and repeat every two weeks during the blooming season, always giving a good watering first.
Pansies like plenty of sun except in the hottest part of the day. Never try to grow them in full shade. If they become leggy they are not getting enough sun. Keep the plants away from buildings and trees that block off light and ventilation.
Various mulching materials will protect your pansies from drought and weeds. If possible, mulch the bed with well rotted organic material like manure. It can be used more generously if it is well rotted.
If your plants are generously mulched, one thorough watering should do for a week unless the weather is extremely dry. Do not water in the late afternoon or evening unless you are prepared to contend with mildew. The morning hours are probably best for watering your pansy plants. However, we have watered in full sun at temperatures over 100 degrees and so assume there is no basis for the contention that pansy blooms will be damaged when watered in hot sun.
Sparkling dark green pansy foliage indicates the plants are growing at their best. By regular feeding, thorough watering and mulching, your pansies should give you large sized flowers continuously over a long period.
