Pansy Viola Princess Series

Water

Pansies should be watered thoroughly once the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically this might be about once a week depending on climate conditions. It's best to water these plants early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day and to avoid encouraging diseases. When watering, aim for about one gallon of water per square yard of soil, ensuring that the moisture reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During hot spells or dry weather, additional watering may be necessary, but always check the soil moisture first. Pansies can suffer from over-watering, so it’s important to ensure good drainage.

Light

Pansies thrive best in locations that offer full to partial sunlight. An ideal spot would provide them with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, but they can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid placing them in deep shade where they might struggle to flourish and produce fewer flowers.

Temperature

Pansies prefer cool to moderate temperatures with an ideal range between 40°F and 60°F. They can survive a frost and temperatures down to about 20°F for short periods, but prolonged exposure to heat above 80°F can be detrimental to their health. Therefore, these plants are often enjoyed in spring and fall when the conditions are within their preferred temperature range.

Pruning

Pruning pansies, also known as "deadheading," is essential for encouraging new blooms and preventing the plant from going to seed. Snip off the spent flowers and any dead or yellowing leaves regularly. Pruning is most effective when done weekly throughout the blooming season. The best time to deadhead pansies is in the cool of the evening or early in the morning.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pansies (Viola Princess Series) thrive in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix for pansies would be equal parts peat, loam, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular addition of organic matter such as compost will also benefit the plant's growth and flowering.

Repotting

Pansies typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several seasons. However, if you notice stunted growth or the soil degrading, repotting every 1-2 years in fresh soil mix can be beneficial.

Humidity & Misting

Pansies (Viola Princess Series) prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations. They can tolerate the natural humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden settings without additional adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place pansies in bright, indirect light indoors with cool temperature.

• Outdoor

  Plant pansies in partial shade to full sun and in cool weather.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Viola Princess Series, commonly known as pansies, begin their life as seeds which germinate in cool to moderate temperatures to produce small seedlings with a pair of true leaves after the initial cotyledons. As they grow, these seedlings develop a rosette of leaves close to the soil surface and establish a root system. Following vegetative growth, they enter a flowering stage when daylight hours are sufficient but still relatively cool, producing an array of colorful blooms that can continue to flourish with proper care through varying seasons. After pollination, often aided by insects, the pansies set seed in small capsules that can be harvested once they dry on the plant. The plant may appear to die back, especially in hotter conditions, entering a period of dormancy, but can re-sprout if conditions become favorable again. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years, beginning the life cycle anew when conditions are right.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The common method of propagating the Viola Princess Series, commonly known as pansies, is through seed sowing. Seeds are typically sown in late winter or early spring, about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. To propagate pansies from seeds, begin by filling a tray with a moistened seed starting mix. Sprinkle the tiny seeds lightly on the surface and gently press them into the mix, as they need light to germinate. Cover the tray with clear plastic to maintain humidity and place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and a temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in 10 to 14 days. After sprouts appear, remove the plastic cover and continue to keep the soil moist until seedlings are strong enough to be transplanted.