Pansy Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink' (Deltini Series) (P)

Water

Pansies, including the Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink', should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's essential to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering to prevent root rot. Typically, this might mean watering pansies with about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall, to ensure they are evenly moist. During hot, dry periods, they may need more frequent watering, such as every other day. Use a gentle spray to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.

Light

Pansies, including the Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink', thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade. They perform best in cooler temperatures when they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in warmer climates, they will benefit from afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat.

Temperature

Pansies, like Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink', prefer cool weather and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 75°F. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is 40°F to 60°F. Pansies can withstand a light frost, making them excellent for early spring and fall planting.

Pruning

Pansies such as Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink' benefit from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms. They should be pruned regularly to remove dead or faded blooms and any damaged or diseased foliage. The best time for pruning is when flowers fade, which may be weekly during peak blooming periods.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pansy 'Deltini Rose Pink' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.4 to 5.8. A mix containing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and garden loam suits it best, offering good aeration and moisture retention. Regularly test and amend the soil to maintain the desired pH range.

Repotting

Pansies such as 'Deltini Rose Pink' typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several seasons. They should be repotted if they outgrow their container or if the soil becomes depleted of nutrients, roughly every 1-2 years.

Humidity & Misting

Pansy 'Deltini Rose Pink' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to typical outdoor conditions. It does not require a specific humidity range indoors, but ensuring good air circulation can prevent fungal issues in more humid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist, and provide good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, shelter from harsh elements, ensure well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

Pansy 'Deltini Rose Pink' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates in a moist and warm environment. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops its first true leaves, entering into the vegetative growth stage where it forms a rosette of foliage. As the pansy matures, it enters the budding stage, where flower buds develop and gradually open to reveal the characteristic ‘Rose Pink’ blooms. The flowering stage continues, with the plant producing showy flowers that can be pollinated to produce seeds, thus enabling sexual reproduction. Following pollination and seed production, if environmental conditions are unfavorable, the plant may enter a dormancy stage or die back, particularly in regions with cold winters. In favorable conditions, the pansy may persist and potentially behave as a short-lived perennial, regrowing in the following season to repeat the life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagating Viola × wittrockiana 'Deltini Rose Pink', commonly known as pansy, is through seed. Seeds are typically sown during late winter to early spring, allowing for sufficient growth before transplanting outdoors. The process involves spreading the small seeds onto the surface of well-drained, moist seed-starting mix and lightly pressing them into the soil without covering, as pansy seeds require light to germinate. The container should then be kept at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within 10 to 20 days, after which the seedlings can be grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to handle and transplant. Care should be taken not to overwater the seedlings as this can lead to damping off, a common fungal disease in young plants.