Pansy Viola 'Nellie Britton' (Va)

Water

Pansy 'Nellie Britton' prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Use a watering can or hose to gently apply water directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. During hot, dry periods, pansies may require more frequent watering, potentially every few days. Provide about one to two gallons of water per week to maintain adequate moisture levels for healthy growth.

Light

Pansies, including 'Nellie Britton', thrive best in full to partial sunlight. This plant will do well in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon during the hot summer months. Ensure that your pansy is planted in an area where it can receive morning light which is often less intense and more beneficial for the plant's growth.

Temperature

Pansies including 'Nellie Britton' prefer cooler temperatures and will thrive when daytime temperatures are between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive light frosts and short periods of cold, but temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may damage or kill the plant. For best growth, aim to maintain a temperature range that is within their ideal conditions.

Pruning

Pruning pansies like 'Nellie Britton' encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cutting back to the first set of leaves below the spent flower to stimulate new growth. The best time for pruning is in the late fall or early spring before the new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pansies like well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as peat moss or compost. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Pansies typically do not require frequent repotting and can often be replanted annually as needed at the beginning of their growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Pansies prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to the ambient humidity found in most outdoor garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, amend soil with compost, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

Viola 'Nellie Britton', commonly known as Pansy, starts its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in cool temperatures, making early spring or fall ideal for sowing. The seeds sprout to produce small, heart-shaped leaves that form a rosette and a deep root system. As the pansy grows, it develops a short stem and larger leaves, and eventually, the plant produces its distinctive flowers, which come in a variety of colors and often have face-like patterns in the center. The blooming period can extend from spring to summer, tapering off as temperatures rise. After blooming, the pansy sets seed, which may be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow, continuing the cycle. In areas with mild winters, the pansy may exhibit perennial behaviors, otherwise it is treated as an annual or biennial.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Viola 'Nellie Britton', more commonly known as pansy, can be propagated mainly through seed. The optimal time for sowing pansy seeds is late winter to early spring, as they need a cooler temperature to successfully germinate. To propagate by seed, sprinkle the seeds on top of a moist seed-starting mix, barely covering them as they need light to germinate. It's crucial to maintain a steady temperature in the range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius), which can be achieved easily with a heat mat. The seed flats should be covered with plastic to retain moisture until germination, which usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed a couple of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle. Care should be taken during transplant to avoid damaging the delicate roots.