Pansy Viola 'Butterpat' (C)

Water

Pansies, like the 'Butterpat' variety, should be watered thoroughly and deeply so the soil is moist but not soggy, which can be about 1-2 inches per week depending on weather conditions. It's best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of diseases. During the spring and fall, when pansies thrive, they may need less water due to cooler temperatures and natural rainfall. In the absence of rainfall, provide additional water with a gentle shower from a watering can or hose, being careful not to overwhelm the plant. Adjust watering to every few days during dry spells and monitor the soil moisture level frequently.

Light

Pansies favor bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade for the best growth and flower production. A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, especially in warmer climates. Avoid placing pansies in deep shade as this could reduce blooming and cause the plant to become leggy.

Temperature

Pansies, including the 'Butterpat' variety, prefer cool temperatures and will thrive when daytime temperatures are around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures are between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a frost and can survive in temperatures as low as the upper 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Avoid planting where temperatures consistently rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit as pansies tend to fade in the heat.

Pruning

Pansies such as 'Butterpat' should be deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning is best done by pinching off spent flowers and any seed pods that form. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead directs that energy towards new growth and flowers. Pruning can be done anytime flowers fade, and especially before they set seeds for continuous blooming.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Pansies prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Pansies do not typically require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. However, if grown as perennials, repotting every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its current container can be beneficial.

Humidity & Misting

Pansies thrive in moderate humidity levels and do not require high humidity. They can adapt to the average humidity found in outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, ensure soil drainage, and space adequately.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Viola 'Butterpat', commonly known as Pansy, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when planted in fertile, well-draining soil and given the proper exposure to sunlight, will germinate. After germination, the seedling emerges and starts to develop its first true leaves, establishing itself as a young plant. As it matures, the Pansy enters a vegetative stage where it grows larger, produces more foliage, and prepares for flowering. The blooming stage follows, characterized by the development of distinctive yellow flowers that attract pollinators and enable reproduction. Once pollinated, the flowers will produce seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. During the final stage, as temperatures begin to rise or if the plant experiences undue stress, it will begin to senesce, with the entire cycle potentially repeating if the new seeds find conducive conditions for growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the common pansy (Viola 'Butterpat') is by seed. To propagate by seed, you should typically start the seeds indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last expected spring frost, to give the pansies a head start. Sow the seeds in a tray filled with well-draining soil, pressing them lightly into the soil surface, as they need light to germinate. Cover the tray with plastic wrap to maintain humidity and place it in a location with bright, indirect light and a temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Keep the soil moist but not saturated, and you can expect germination to occur typically within 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings emerge and grow strong enough, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden or containers. This method allows for the production of a large number of plants and the preservation of the cultivar’s traits.