You can start them anytime after December 21st.

Pansies are tough to winter sow in a warm climate because they are a winter flowering plant. I plant my pansies in October from PLANTS to bloom all winter. I have not winter sown them successfully and planted them out here because they will be done by early June (if not earlier). Barely enough time to really get growing.

Oy. That's what I thought. I guess I need to be patient and sow them at the end of summer the traditional way. *pout* Even when I lived in an apartment, I still had pansies. My first winter without 'em. :*( Thanks girly.

If they over winter they might be ready the next year even if you start them now. I had dozens of little ones self sow themselves this summer and hope to see them bloom next year.