Garden pansyis a species of biennial plant that blooms in various colors from early spring to early summer. Thanks to its early flowering season,garden pansy is a popular decoration on balconies and terraces , willingly planted in boxes and pots from March. Seehow and when to plantpansies so that they grow he althily and bloom for a long time. We also advise whichvarieties of pansiesare worth choosing and how to ensure the bestgrowing conditions for garden pansy !
Garden pansy - Viola x wittrockiana
Photo. pixabay.com
Which pansies to choose for the garden or balcony?
Garden pansy(Viola x wittrockiana) was created by crossing a tricolor violet (Viola tricolor), a horned violet (Viola cornuta) and an Altai violet (Viola altaica). Currently, pansies are available in cultivar sects, which are divided into many groups. The individualvarieties of pansies differ in the color of the flowers , which can be single or multi-colored, the size reached (10-25 cm), and the flowering date (III - VII).
The earliest, because they bloom in Marchearly and mid-early varieties of pansiesThese varieties gain the most popularity because their flowers can be admired at a time when most other plants are not yet blooming. Choosinglater-flowering pansy varieties , we can count on their flowering until July (early flowering varieties end in June).
Garden pansies in a pot
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
In practice, however, pansies are treated as a temporary, early spring decoration of a garden or balcony and in most caseswhen choosing pansies, we mainly choose the color of their flowersBesides, usually pansies bought in nearby florists or seasonal the stands are even stripped of a label with the name of the variety and a description of its characteristics. Therefore, we are simply guided by the appearance of the plant.
Pansies in a wooden box
Fig. pixabay.com
When the pansies are on sale, the first flowers are usually visible on them, which allows the buyer to choose a plant with the desired color.When buying pansies, however, make sure that the plant has as many undeveloped buds as possible , because this will give us confidence that the pansy will bloom abundantly and its flowering will last a long time.
Avoid buying pansies that are already fading, with visible stains on leaves or flowers or other disease signs.
Contrasting combination of white pansies with pink daisies
Fig. pixabay.com
How and when to plant pansies?
Pansies can be planted from March , when the signs of spring warming are clearly visible. Pansy flowers are quite resistant to low temperatures and gentle frosts do not harm them. Remember, however, that the plants purchased in flower shops come from greenhouse crops and it may be necessary to harden them (gradually getting used to the temperatures outside).Therefore, when bringing new pansies, it is worth putting them in a sheltered place on the balcony for a few days, yes not to be exposed to cold winds. Only after a few days we plant them in the target pots or boxes.
Pots with pansies can be hung on the fence
Fig. pixabay.com
Pansies grow well and bloom both in sun and light shade , although we will enjoy them a little longer if we do not expose them to full, sharp sun.We should also protect them from heavy rainfall, because their flowers are delicate and too often when wet, they rot easily.The best for growing pansieswill therefore be a roofed terrace or balcony.
Good to knowAlthough deficiencies may grow in sunny places, the excess of sunlight may cause the petals to fade in the most intensely colored varieties (e.g. burgundy, or navy blue ones). So if we notice that the pansy flowers lose their intense color, let's move the pots with pansies to a less sunny place.
Intensely colored pansy flowers may fade in excessive sun
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Garden pansy does not have high soil requirementsSo we can use universal garden soil or soil for balcony flowers. The substrate should be fertile and well-drained. Pansies require constant moisture but do not like flooding(soil should be slightly damp but not wet). For this reason, TerraCottem should be mixed with the soil to which we plant pansies, especially in pots and balcony boxes. It contains a starting dose of fertilizer, ingredients that improve the structure of the substrate and a hydrogel that keeps the soil moist for longer. Thanks to thisfrequent watering of pansies will not be necessary
When watering garden pansiesremember to pour the water directly into the ground (preferably on a stand under the pot) and never sprinkle their leaves or flowers. The best time to water is early in the morning as this will allow the sun to dry your plants over the course of the days and excess moisture to evaporate.
How to extend the flowering of pansies?
The flowering of pansies can be extendedby feeding the plants with fertilizers for flowering plants, rich in phosphorus and potassium.It is best to use liquid or soluble fertilizers for balcony flowers, which will allow you to combine fertilization with watering. A portion of this type of fertilizer is usually added to the irrigation water once a week or once every two weeks.
Pansies can be planted together with daisies
Fig. pixabay.com
If we want the pansies to bloom as long as possible , and we do not want to collect their seeds, it is worth removing the fading flowers. As a result, the plant will not waste energy setting seeds and will constantly produce new flower buds. It is also worth tearing off dying leaves, on which there are rot spots or other disease symptoms. Viewing and removing diseased parts of plants reduces the further development of infection. In orderto protect the pansies against fungal diseasesit is worth spraying them gently with the natural preparation Biosept Active every 7 days. Just remember not to spray in full sun.
After the flowering of the pansies is finished, we get rid of , because they will no longer be used as decorations. They are biennial plants, sown from seeds. They produce green parts in the first year of cultivation and bloom for the second year after hibernation. After flowering, they die.
