The colorful pansies from the violet family are particularly suitable for balcony planting due to their compact growth. They are also robust, easy to care for and tirelessly bloom in a wide variety of colors from April to October.
Pansies like sun or partial shade on the balcony
Although there are many different types of pansies, the most common bedding and balcony plants are the garden pansy and horned violet. The garden pansy is a cross between several species, e.g. from wild pansies (Viola tricolor) with the Altai pansies (Viola altaica) and Sudeten pansies (Viola lutea). Horned violets are also known as miniature pansies because their flowers are much smaller.
Pansies as balcony plants
The garden pansy and the horned violet are small (about 20 cm high) plants. While horned violets give off a faint scent, garden pansies are not scented. The flowers of these two viola species are characterized by an extraordinary variety of colors. As the first heralds of spring, the frost-hardy pansies can be planted out in balcony boxes (€109.00) and pots as early as February.
Create beautiful combinations with pansies
The pansies are well suited as a motley underplanting for tall tulips and daffodils. Especially white pansies can be wonderfully combined with tulips in bright red/pink or soft pink. A tone-in-tone planting of horned violets, forget-me-nots and grape hyacinths in different shades of blue looks very unusual. The yellow pansies get along well with daisies and daisies.
Caring for balcony pansies properly
The frugal pansies usually only colonize our balconies in the spring months. After that they have to make room for the summer flowers. If you have a garden, you can transplant the spent pansies there. At the right location, they ensure offspring by self-seeding. With a little more care, the pansies can remain in the balcony boxes as permanent plants:
- sunny or semi-shady location,
- nutrient-rich, lime-poor soil,
- keep evenly moist, no waterlogging,
- fertilize moderately,
- Remove faded blooms regularly.
tips and tricks
The pansies can be sown yourself with little effort. To have pansies blooming in early spring, sow seeds outdoors in August/September or in a cool room during the winter months.