Viola (Pansy) - Key Growing Information
DAYS TO GERMINATION:
Seedlings appear in 4–7 days at 62–68°F (17–20°C).SOWING:
For transplants, sow 7–9 weeks before planting out, or 8–9 weeks ahead if you want them blooming in cell packs. Plants handle a light frost. Cover the seed lightly and water from below or mist so it isn't washed out of place. Move seedlings to cell packs or larger containers once the first true leaves show, then harden off and plant out; violas can take a light frost. In mild-winter areas or tunnels, you can also sow in late summer or fall. Direct sowing isn't recommended.LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Full sun to partial shade.PLANT HEIGHT:
Varies.PLANT SPACING:
Space plants 6–9" apart.HARDINESS ZONES:
Varies.HARVEST:
Pick edible flowers fully open. For cut flowers, cut when stems are long and have at least one open bloom. Deadheading keeps flowers coming.SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Rich soil with good drainage.USES:
Excellent in containers and beds; grown for edible and cut flowers.Certain varieties (see their descriptions) make good cut flowers when grown from a very early spring planting or an overwintered planting, so that well-established plants start flowering in the long days and warmth of spring and early summer. Long days and warm temperatures stretch the stems and bring the heavy flowering that quality cut violas need.
For compact bedding plants, grow seedlings and young plants cool and in bright light to keep them from stretching.
