The success of seedling production for ornamental or any other crops depends on several factors, including the use of highquality seeds and the choice of suitable substrates. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of different organic residues as substrates and sowing depths on the emergence and initial development of pansy seedlings. Two lots of pansy seeds were used. Seed lot quality was evaluated for water content determination, 1000-seeds weight, germination, first count of germination, accelerated aging, seedling emergence in sand. Post emergence was evaluated by the emergence speed index, shoot length, shoot dry matter and number of leaves. The experiment was performed under completely randomized design, with four replicates. Data were submitted to analysis of variance through the F-test and the means, compared to each other by the Tukey test, at 5% probability. The most indicated sowing depths for the development of pansy seedlings were 1.5 and 2 cm while the substrate which presented the best results was the Beifort® S10.