More About Pansy .. How to grow Pansy

Lady Mary Elizabeth Bennett brought the pansy to the attention of gardeners in the early years of the 19th century after cultivating every sort of V. tricolor she could procure in her father's garden at Walton-upon-Thames. V. tricolor has known many names in the English-speaking world including heartsease, love in idleness, and flower of Jove, but the name pansy is derived from the French, pensée ...(thought), and was bestowed upon the plant for its resemblance to a pensive human face. The pansy has attracted the attention of poets and artists including William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, and Georgia O'Keeffe. The flower is a recurring motif in cultural artifacts such as embroidery designs and greeting cards.

 

The Pansy is a large group of hybrid plants cultivated as garden flowers. Pansies are derived from Viola species Viola tricolor hybridized with other viola species, these hybrids are referred to as Viola × Wittrockiana or less commonly Viola tricolor hortensis. The name "pansy" also appears as part of the common name for other Viola species that are wildflowers in Europe. Some unrelated species, such as the Pansy Monkey flower, also have "pansy" in their name.

 

 

The pansy flower is two to three inches in diameter and has two slightly overlapping upper petals, two side petals, and a single bottom petal with a slight beard emanating from the flower's center. The flower has been produced in a wide range of colors and bicolor. The plant may grow to nine inches in height, and prefers sun to varying degrees and well-draining soils. Pansies are biennials, but are purchased at garden centers in their second year of growth and treated as annuals by the home gardener. They are subjected to devastation by aphids, snails, and slugs, and several diseases, mostly fungal. They do not perform well in hot, muggy weather or climes.

 

How to grow Pansy...

Viola plants like full to partial sun. They thrive in cool, moist weather. In warmer areas, we recommend partial shade. They prefer rich to average soil that holds moisture. Mix in plenty of compost to increase soil retention. Add a general purpose fertilizer when planting them, then once a month after that. 
Sow Viola seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" soil. Water thoroughly. 
Transplant Viola seedlings into the garden after the last frost date for your area. Space them 6" apart. They will tolerate a little crowding. If you are creating a flower bed, you may want to create a pattern or color scheme prior to planting. Or, use mixed varieties. 
Once your Viola plants are established, they should grow well, even if left unattended. Soil should be moist, but not wet. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Keep them well weeded. Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and for appearance. 
Deadhead flowers to extend the blooming period. This will also keep the appearance neat and beautiful. supported on a trellis by the stem alone.

 

 

Smiling Pansies