How to save Pansy Seeds
In southern Ontario (zone 5-7) pansy flowers (or Viola's) are annuals. They have a habit of reseeding themselves and due to their cold hardiness, and can often make a reappearance the following year.
It's not a guarantee though, so collecting pansy seeds is the safer route for repeated blooms year after year.
How to collect pansy seeds
Wait for the petals to fade and drop off.
In place of the flower will be a little green ball if it has been pollinated. Wait for this to turn yellow and crispy.
Crack open the pod to access seeds. Collect and store in a paper bag.
They go from green to split open and freely self seeding rather quickly. Harvesting the seeds while the bulge is still green is an option.
Note: Pansy flowers cross pollinate and hybridize. If you have multiple varieties planted, the seeds you are harvesting will be a colourful surprise as will any self seeding varieties that pop up.