Pansy Viola 'Velour Purple and White' (Velour Series)

Water

Pansies prefer consistently moist soil, so it's important to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this might mean watering once every few days, especially during dry spells. It is best to provide enough water to soak the soil deeply, promoting strong root growth—this could equate to approximately 1 gallon for an outdoor garden area of one square foot every week, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature conditions. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

Pansies thrive in full to partial sunlight, so the best spot for the Viola 'Velour Purple and White' would be where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate some shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day, but too much shade can lead to fewer flowers and leggy growth. An ideal location would receive morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, ensuring that the plants enjoy light without being exposed to the heat of the day for too long.

Temperature

Pansies prefer cooler temperatures and can survive in temperatures ranging between 40°F and 60°F, which are ideal for the Viola 'Velour Purple and White'. They can tolerate a frost and survive short periods in temperatures as low as 20°F but perform best when nighttime temperatures are above freezing. Extended exposure to heat above 80°F can stress the plant, often resulting in reduced flowering.

Pruning

Pruning pansies involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to keep the Viola 'Velour Purple and White' looking its best. Regularly check for and remove any faded blooms throughout the flowering season. Additionally, trim back leggy stems to promote bushier growth. The best time to prune is when flowers begin to fade and before they set seed to ensure continuous blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pansies, including Viola 'Velour Purple and White', thrive in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.4 and 5.8. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal for maintaining good moisture while providing adequate drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Pansies generally do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. If grown as perennials, repotting can be done every 1-2 years to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Pansies prefer moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a wide range from slightly dry to average household humidity conditions without issue.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, rich soil, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

The viola 'Velour Purple and White' starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist, will germinate usually within 2-3 weeks. Following germination, the seedlings develop their first true leaves and gradually mature into vegetative plants with characteristic lush foliage. Once established and provided with adequate sunlight and nutrients, the plant enters the flowering stage, where it produces its signature bicolored purple and white blossoms, attracting pollinators and potentially setting seed if the flowers are fertilized. After the flowering phase, if the conditions allow it, the viola may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in areas with cold winters, only to regrow from its root system with the arrival of warmer weather. If the plant is an annual variety in the Velour Series, it will complete its lifecycle within one year; however, if it's a perennial, it will enter into a seasonal cycle of dormancy and regrowth over several years. Seeds formed from the fertilized flowers can be collected and sown to begin the life cycle anew or the plant may self-seed under suitable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Springtime

• Viola 'Velour Purple and White', commonly known as pansy, can be propagated through the popular method of seed sowing. Seeds can be started indoors 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow pansy seeds thinly in trays filled with a well-draining seed starting mix, covering them lightly with a fine layer of the substrate as pansy seeds require darkness to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings typically emerge in 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.