Description

This Swiss heirloom is the parent to most of the pansies we see today. Early spring blossoms make a wonderful accent to your spring bulbs. Low, bushy plants are quick to grow and bloom, producing showy, large, velvety flowers. Use the edible petals to garnish soft cheese or baked goods. Reliable perennial in USDA zones 6-10, often grown as an annual. A 1933 All-America Selections winner.

Botanical Name: Viola wittrockiana
Family: Violaceae
Native: Only in cultivation
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant perennial in USDA zones 6–10; often grown as an annual. Reseeds readily.
Plant Dimensions: 6″–9″ tall
Variety Information: 2″-2½” flowers in a wide range of colors including blue, purple, yellow, apricot, orange, mahogany, red, white, and bi-colors. Most have “faces” or are blotched.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Blooms heaviest in cool weather.
Attributes: Deer Resistant, Edible Flower

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. Cold Climates: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, or midsummer for fall and the following spring bloom. Mild Climates: Late summer for cool–season blooms.
When to Start Inside: 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date for early spring planting, and midsummer for fall planting in both mild and cold climates.
Days to Emerge: 7–20 days
Seed Depth: 1/8″
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 4″–6″
Thinning: When ½–1″ tall, thin to 1 every 4″–6″

Harvesting: For longest vase life, harvest flowers in the morning, just as flower buds begin to open.

130 seeds.