Pansy Viola 'Floella'

Water

Pansies require consistent moisture; they should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. In hot or windy weather, they may need more frequent watering, perhaps every few days. Apply about one gallon of water per square yard each week, adjusting for rainfall. During the cooler months, reduce watering but do not allow the plants to completely dry out. Ensuring the soil is well-draining is crucial to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Pansies thrive best in full to partial sun, meaning they require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas with hot summers, afternoon shade can help protect them from intense heat. A spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade is ideal to promote vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

Temperature

Pansies are cool-weather plants and prefer temperatures between 40°F and 60°F. They can withstand dips to about 20°F but may be damaged by prolonged exposure or drops below this range. They perform best in spring and fall and will often succumb to heat stress when temperatures consistently reach above 75°F.

Pruning

Pansies benefit from occasional deadheading of spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. It's best to prune or pinch off these faded blooms regularly, as they appear. For maintaining shape and encouraging bushy growth, light pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Pansy 'Floella' should be well-draining and fertile, with a combination of peat, loam, and sand or perlite. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regularly enrich the soil with compost to maintain fertility.

Repotting

Pansies, including the Pansy 'Floella', typically do not require frequent repotting and can often be treated as annuals. If grown as perennials, repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Pansies like 'Floella' prefer average humidity levels. They are quite adaptable but do not thrive in excessively dry or highly humid conditions. Aim for a natural, outdoor-like humidity range without special adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Pansy 'Floella' near a sunny window and water regularly.

• Outdoor

  Plant Pansy 'Floella' in partial sun and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Viola 'Floella', commonly known as the Pansy, begins its life as a seed that germinates in cool to moderate temperatures, often in spring or fall. After germination, the seedling emerges with cotyledons and true leaves develop shortly after, indicating the establishment of the plant. During the vegetative stage, the Pansy grows its rosette of leaves, and as it matures, the plant begins the blooming stage, producing its characteristic flowers which can last for several weeks. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will develop into seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. Once the seeds mature, the plant will senesce, particularly if exposed to high summer temperatures, completing its life cycle. Seeds may then be dispersed to begin a new generation, depending on environmental conditions and care practices.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Viola 'Floella', commonly known as the Pansy, is typically propagated through seed sowing. To do this, seeds should be sown in late winter to early spring, allowing them to germinate in cooler temperatures, which is preferable for this plant. Sow the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix, covering them lightly with soil, as Pansy seeds require darkness to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden when the risk of frost has passed.