Swiss Giants Pansy Seed Mix Viola wittrockiana
These stunning flowers are perfect for a Swiss window box, showcasing a vibrant mix of colors. Although this compact plant is technically a perennial, it's commonly treated as an annual. The blooms are edible and can be added to salads or used as garnishes.
The term "pansy" is derived from the French word "pensee," which translates to "thought." In the floral language, pansies represent remembrance. Back in the early 19th century, Lord Gambier and his gardener William Thompson created the first pansy hybrid by crossing different species of native violets. This new variety was named "wittrockiana" to honor the famous Swedish botanist Viet Brecher Wittrock.
Latin Name: Viola wittrockiana
Species Origin: Introduced US Flower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 20,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 8 Inches
Color: Mixed, White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Sowing: Plant the seeds directly in late fall, just beneath the soil's surface. If you're planting in spring, combine the Swiss giant pansy seeds with some moist sand and chill them in the fridge for 60-90 days before you plant. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist until they germinate.
Growing: Regularly water the seedlings until they're well established. They do well with occasional watering during dry spells, but once they're mature, they can handle short droughts and adapt to various soil types. Remember to deadhead to extend the blooming period. This plant can self-seed, making it a great option for ground cover or borders, and it also thrives in containers.
Harvesting: When you're ready to cut flowers, pick stems that have just opened up. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water, and put them in water right away.
Seed Saving: After the flowers have faded, oval pods will start to form. Once they're ripe, each pod will split into three sections containing the seeds. Collect the Viola Wittrockiana seeds. They lose their viability quickly, so it's best to plant them right away for optimal germination. If you need to store them, keep the Swiss giant pansy seeds in the fridge until you're ready to plant.
