Plugs for this winter, I would say.

Make sure they are good sized plug too, for a good show.

Plugs but also some seeds (self-seeded-I hope, and some seeds collected last year)

Reading all your comments I think some plugs and some seed is the answer. I have read the seed should be in the dark at lower temperature to germinate , do you agree please?

Pansy seeds germinate easily. You can either scatter them on well raked ground and give them a light covering of soil and a good watering or, you can do the same in a seed tray and put them somewhere sheltered and shady to germinate and be planted out later.

Either way, you will get masses of seedlings which will need thinning out to give the strongest ones the best chance.