Pansies belong to the violet genus of the violet family. It is a species-rich genus with a large distribution area, mainly in temperate Europe and Asia.

Pansies thrive in beds as well as in pots or window boxes

Family, genus, scientific name

  • Family: Violet family (Violaceae)
  • Genus: Violet (Viola) with about 500 species
  • Garden Pansies, Viola wittrockiana Gams ex Nauenburg & Buttler

description

The pansy is an annual, biennial or perennial herb with ascending stems, ovate to lanceolate, notched leaves, stalked flowers, originally blue-violet, yellow or white, with a bluish spur; the fruit is a three-lobed capsule. The plants grow up to 20 cm high, the flowers about 3-5 cm, depending on the variety. Pansies are now available in maroon-red, midnight blue, orange and many other colors and shades.

Location, soil, care

  • full sun or semi-shady location
  • nutrient-rich, lime-poor substrate, stony soil is also suitable for horned violets
  • Water sufficiently, but do not allow waterlogging
  • fertilize little
  • Remove faded flowers regularly, cut back horned violets after flowering

propagation, sowing

Garden pansies are propagated by seeds. The horned violets can also be divided. Most breeds are F1 hybrids, therefore not suitable for seed production. On the market, however, you will find a large selection of varieties, with something for every taste.

Sowing is very easy to do:

  • Planting holes should be about 1-2 cm deep
  • Pansy seeds germinate in the dark, so cover lightly with soil
  • Keep sowing evenly moist and shady
  • sporadic after 4 to 6 weeks
  • Transplant to final location at a height of about 5 cm

use

The small pansies are ideal for balcony planting. In the garden you can use them very well as colorful underplanting for tall tulips and daffodils. White pansies can be tastefully combined with pink tulips, blue forget-me-nots and grape hyacinths.

tips and tricks

Depending on the variety, pansies are more or less hardy. However, the outdoor plants should be protected from frost with leaves or brushwood in winters with little snow.

Category:

Herbs