Viola × wittrockiana, known as pansies, are one of the most popular bedding plants for cool weather. Pansies sold in commerce as V. x wittrockiana are mostly F1 hybrids that grow to 8” tall with 2-4” diameter flattened face-like flowers.
Consistent moisture keeps pansy blossoms soft and supple, but roots won't tolerate soggy soil. Water pansies regularly through the growing season, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. The drier soil conditions also help pansies harden off and tolerate cold.
The standard fertility program used on summer annuals — 200 ppm 20-20-20 or a slow release/granular fertilizer — should work well for pansies during the remainder of the growing season. Removing frost-damaged flowers and old, faded flowers should be a top priority with pansies.
Pinch off any flowers that look past their prime. Remove the flower head and the top part of the stalk. Make the cut or pinch right above where the flower stalk meets the first set of leaves. A healthy pansy is a bushy plant. The aim of cutting back or pruning is to keep the plant compact and full. Within their hardiness range, pansies generally overwinter well. Cut the plants back by one-third at the end of the growing season, and protect them with organic mulch.
The seeds of pansies are considered to be mildly toxic to humans, advises the University of California. Symptoms are generally mild and include vomiting or diarrhea.
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