Growing pansies from seeds, when to plant, watering, wintering. Pansies - beautiful, like in a fairy tale! What do pansies look like?

Pansies are incredibly popular plants that can be found in almost every garden. There are many legends about the origin of these flowers, one of which says that Roman men were turned into a charming viola, secretly spying on the bathing goddess of love Venus. Pansies symbolize wisdom, loyalty and devotion. This article contains everything about growing viola in open ground, plant care, propagation from seeds, varietal varieties.

Charming violas look great in garden beds.

In the spring, after the snow melts, surprisingly bright flowers bloom in the garden - pansies, their petals are painted in bright tones of blue, yellow, purple, and burgundy. A characteristic feature of the viola is the contrasting pattern in the form of spots and spurs on the petals, which gives the plant an extraordinary charm.

The first information about growing viola in the garden dates back to the 16th century AD, when the first attempts were made to create new varieties of pansies.

Are pansies annual or perennial flowers? Answering this question, it should be noted that cultivated varieties are mainly biennials, there is a very small percentage of perennial varieties, and annual plants are found among pansies. In total, the genus of violas includes up to 500 amazing and diverse plants with bright petals.

Most hybrid varieties with large flowers and abundant flowering are biennial plants, which form a bush in the first year, and after wintering in early spring, charming flowers appear.

Floriculture farms try to sell pansy seedlings in the spring during the period of wild flowering, but when purchasing such plants, you should remember that by July your flower beds and boxes will be empty, because after flowering, seeds appear on the bushes, after which the two-year-old viola dies.

Agrotechnics of cultivation

Pansy is a low flower; rarely the height of the bush exceeds 25-30 cm. The flower bush has a compact shape, so it is often grown in balcony boxes and pots. Growing in open ground has some features that are worth talking about in more detail.

Landing: necessary conditions

The flowers amaze with their bright colors.

Pansies, or violas, require a bright location when planted in open ground, but the plants can adapt to light shade. Direct sunlight has a depressing effect on the plant, so viola grown on the south side can finish flowering faster.

The soil for the crop is prepared in advance, the soil should easily allow water to pass through and be fertile - in poor soil, viola flowers become smaller and become faded.

Flowering violas do not tolerate acidic soils and stagnant water at the roots, so in areas with a high groundwater level, reliable drainage should be done, and only then young plants should be planted.

Thanks to the low bush, the viola does not react to the wind, from which its taller neighbors protect it.

It is allowed to sow pansies in open ground and plant them as seedlings.

Watering

Pansies cannot look healthy if the watering schedule is disrupted. Plants require abundant regular watering, which is especially important in the hot season. To preserve moisture in the soil, pansy plantings should be mulched with colored bark or pebbles, which will increase the decorative appearance of the bushes during flowering.

It is necessary to water flower beds with pansies only if the top layer of soil has dried out significantly, because an excess of moisture leads to rotting of the plant’s root system.

Feeding

Hybrid violas have amazing flowers of different colors.

After planting pansy seedlings in a permanent place, you can begin to apply nutritional supplements, starting 10 days after planting the bushes in the ground.

The frequency of feeding is once every 10 days. Attention! The crop does not tolerate fertilizers with fresh manure, which is applied directly under the roots of plants. You can alternate an infusion of bird droppings with nitrophoska or Kemira fertilizer for flower crops. Timely fertilizing has a positive effect on plants - viola flowers acquire enormous sizes and bright colors.

Sowing seeds

This is what ripe viola seeds look like.

Pansies are propagated by seeds, with the practice of sowing seeds directly into the ground, as well as growing seedlings.

With the seed method of growing crops, it is allowed to sow seeds in a prepared bed from spring to mid-summer. The earlier the sowing is done, the greater the likelihood that the first flowers will appear on the bushes by the end of this summer.

Viola seeds are sown in well-dug, fertilized soil after the threat of spring frosts has passed. The seeds are laid out in shallow furrows (up to 1 cm) or separate holes. After sowing the seeds, it is necessary to thoroughly and carefully moisten the soil, making sure that the seeds do not wash to the surface.

Shoots appear after 7-10 days, seedlings begin to grow quickly, forming lush bushes. In the phase of 3-4 true leaves, young plants dive if the seedlings are too dense. Over the summer, the seedlings will grow a strong bush, which may not produce a single flower until autumn. In winter, a flower bed with pansies should be mulched to prevent the plants from freezing. In particularly harsh winters, a more powerful shelter is erected over the garden bed.

In spring, young plants bloom very early, as soon as the stalk melts. Flowering continues until June, after which the plant begins to form seed pods, the flowers become smaller and appear less and less often.

In July, the seed pods of pansies turn brown and open, shooting small brown seeds in all directions. Next year, new plants can self-sow from these seeds in the most remote corners of the garden.

Pansies from seedlings

Picked viola seedlings.

If it is necessary for two-year-old varieties of pansies to bloom this year, you can grow seedlings from seeds. Seeds for seedlings are sown in February in small containers with low sides. Usually fresh seeds have a high germination rate; by the end of the week, mass hatching of young plants is observed.

The most important thing during this period is to uniformly moisten the crops so that the seedlings receive plenty of moisture. Excessive waterlogging is fraught with rotting of the weak roots of the seedlings, so it is necessary to find a middle ground when watering.

Grown viola seedlings need to be planted, for which young plants are picked. A peat flower pot is the most successful container option for planting seedlings, because when transplanted into open ground, the root system of the plants will no longer be disturbed.

Seedlings are planted in the ground in May, and the first flowers on the largest bushes will appear in August. You should not expect wild flowering of biennial violas in the first year; the plants will give lush flowers next spring.

Varieties and varieties

Viola flowers can reach a diameter of up to 10 cm.

Tricolor viola (Viola tricolor) is a wild species that blooms on small bushes, up to 16 cm high, from spring to autumn. The flowers are painted in blue-violet colors; there are varieties with white and yellow flowers. In nature, the plant likes to settle in meadow wastelands, forest edges and near ravines.

Horned viola (Viola cornuta) is a perennial plant that requires reliable shelter in winter. The flowers are brightly colored from white to all shades of violet purple. Large flowers reach a diameter of up to 6 cm.

Viola Wittrockiana are garden hybrids that are most popular when grown in the garden. The plant is quite tall - the bush reaches a height of up to 30 cm. Bright flowers have contrasting spots and streaks on the petals, reaching up to 10 cm in diameter.

Viola williamsii is a tall hybrid, the height of the bushes can reach up to 32 cm. The flowers are small, do not exceed 4 cm in diameter. The difference between this species is the absence of a contrasting mask on the bright flower petals.

It's hard to take your eyes off these charming, vibrant flowers. The variety of colors of the petals evokes admiration for the creations of nature. Viola (tricolor violet) in Russia was called: scrofula, tricolor, moth, half-flower or pansy. The article is devoted to the nuances of growing this wonderful crop in open ground. In the article, we will look at the varieties and look in detail at planting and proper care of the plant.

Description of the plant: varieties and varieties

Pansies are perennial plants, but cultivation is usually carried out according to the agricultural technology of a two-year crop. Abundant flowering in open ground occurs in spring and the first half of summer. Touching flowers open their petals to meet the first rays of the sun as soon as the snow melts.

Single flowers with a diameter of 6 to 10 cm rise from the leaf axils. Sometimes viola flowers emit a delicate, subtle aroma. The leaves of the plant are delicate, light green, oval, with a crenate or jagged edge.

Cultivated varieties amaze with the magnificence of their varied colors. Breeders have bred a huge number of multi-colored violas, including: the whole spectrum of lilac shades, yellow, white, blue. Pansies in red-brown tones are not uncommon these days. Varietal violas have contrasting stripes, eyes, and borders on the petals.

Wittrock's classification of viola: varieties and series.

Pansies are usually divided according to the height of the bush:

• short;
• medium height;
• tall.

The second sign of the division of viola varieties is based on the size of the flower:

• species with large flowers;
• small-flowered varieties;
• with giant flowers.

In addition, pansies differ in the appearance of the edges of the petals:

• smooth petals;
• wavy edge of petals.

Based on the color of the petals, the following types of viola are distinguished:

• varieties with monotonous (one-color) color;
• two-color varieties;
• a series of flower varieties with contrasting spots and stripes.

Pansies comprise more than 15 groups of ornamental garden varieties, which differ significantly in flowering time, flower color and size, shape, and winter hardiness. Breeders have developed many giant, wavy-edged varieties, including semi-double and double varieties. They can grow well in open ground.

The charming flowers of the “Russian Size” variety series exceed 10 cm in diameter. New selections are ampelous pansies of the “Waterfall” variety series. These plants are intended for hanging baskets; they are characterized by abundant, lush, long-lasting flowering.

In landscape design, monochromatic pansies are popular, the planting of which allows you to delimit the garden area with contrasting colored spots.

Currently, single-color specimens of viola have been bred in bright, pure colors:

• blue;
• purple;
• yellow;
• white;
• orange;
• red.

Planting a plant

The high decorative value of pansies in open ground directly depends on the planting location. Although the plant is quite shade-tolerant, in dense shade it degenerates: the flowers become smaller, lose their saturation, the stems of the plant stretch out and fade. The flowering time of such plants is significantly reduced.

The second condition for the luxurious flowering of pansies is the soil. Viola does not tolerate dry, rocky, sandy soil. This flower develops well in fertile soil, with a high content of nutrients and moisture. Viola care is minimal.

How to plant pansies correctly: planting and care

Pansies - planting and care are not difficult: you can plant the plants directly from the seeds into the soil. To do this, the soil is loosened and the seeds are planted shallowly. carefully carry out using a watering can with a fine strainer so as not to wash the seeds out of the soil. Shoots in open ground appear on the 7-10th day.

To speed up flowering, care should be taken in advance to use the seedling method, when seeds are sown in a greenhouse or greenhouse in advance. This agrotechnical technique allows you to obtain abundantly flowering bushes much earlier than when sowing with seeds. Growing seedlings begins in February. Boxes with seeded viola are kept for a week in a dark place. With the emergence of seedlings, the boxes are moved to the brightest place. Caring for seedlings involves timely watering and hardening. Pansy seedlings are planted in the ground in mid-May. Flowering can begin within a month.

Important! Watering the seedlings must be carried out regularly, preventing the earthen ball from drying out or becoming waterlogged.

Viola is an unpretentious plant. Caring for her is not difficult. The plant requires regular watering, but it does not respond well to stagnant water in the garden bed.

Important! To prolong the flowering of the viola bush and preserve the decorative appearance of the plant, faded flowers must be removed regularly. Pinching stimulates the development of side shoots, which increases the number of decorative flowers.

Fertilizer and feeding

When preparing a bed for planting viola, it is important to provide for the application of fertilizers to increase the flowering period. Granular double superphosphate is excellent for this purpose. The fertilizer is embedded in the soil, where it slowly dissolves during the summer season and feeds the plants with phosphorus, which is responsible for the beauty of flowers.

During the growing season and flowering of pansies, it is necessary to apply complex fertilizer for garden flowers. The frequency of application of nutrients is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Excellent results are achieved when applying foliar fertilizing, when the fertilizer is sprayed on the foliage.

Important! Pansies do not tolerate manure.

Plant propagation

In addition to sowing seeds, pansies can be easily taken from cuttings. Propagating viola by cuttings in open ground is not difficult. Around the beginning of summer, green cuttings with 2-3 internodes are cut from the bushes of the plant. Fresh cuttings are planted in a prepared bed. When planting, the viola should be watered and sprinkled with water.

Important! The use of growth stimulants (epin, kornevin, heteroauxin) increases the survival rate.

Propagation of the crop by green cuttings allows you to obtain a hardened, full-fledged bush, ready for flowering, in less than a month.

Diseases and pests

Unfortunately, tender pansies are not immune to diseases and pests. Pansies have many diseases:

Powdery mildew affects the entire plant. The affected parts of the flower die over time, and new buds do not form.
Treatment: a water-soap emulsion is sprayed over the plant.

Gray rot causes damage (rotting) to all parts of the plant. Treatment: spraying with a 0.5% solution of copper oxychloride up to 4 times every 1 week.

spotting- premature death of leaves; slowing down flowering. Treatment: the same control measures as for gray rot.

Blackleg- development of rot on the root collar and roots of the flower. Develops with excessive watering, dense soil and stagnant water. Prevention: use of clean planting material, properly organized watering. Growing a crop in a waterlogged bed leads to the death of plants.

Pests of pansies are aphids and spider mites. Affected plants wither, stop blooming, and eventually die. In case of severe infestation, it is necessary to treat the flower garden with appropriate pest control preparations.

Pansies: combination with other plants

Wittrock's violet goes well with low-growing perennials or biennials:

• Daisy;
• Horned violet;
• Iberis;
• Forget-me-not;
• Lobelia.

When planting flower crops together, you should select plants of a suitable size so that plants growing nearby do not oppress each other.

An excellent combination in a flowerbed is achieved by planting pansies alone, and varieties of the same color or a multi-colored mixture are selected. Such flower beds look elegant and decorative.

Pansies in landscape design

The use of pansies in landscape design has become widespread and very justified:

• young crops bloom in the same year (when sown through seedlings);
• a wide palette of colors makes it possible to choose the appropriate variety for any flower bed design solution;
• The flowering of the crop begins quite early, in the cold spring, when there are few flowering crops.

Viola clumps look great on an emerald green lawn. Carpet ornaments are laid out from flowers, paths are lined with them, and planted in hanging flower pots. Planting does not cause any trouble or difficulty, and caring for viola is quite simple, so it is often used to decorate areas in landscape design.

Rules for planting viola in the ground: video

Pansies: photo

Such cute and delicate flowers as pansies always attract attention. It is impossible to pass by them. With their charming shades of bright petals, they evoke a surge of romance and tender feelings. These flowers are found in almost every flower bed, as they are very popular among gardeners. What is a pansy plant, how to care for these flowers?

Violas (pansies) are annual, biennial and perennial plants of the violet family. China and Japan are considered the birthplace of these flowers. With the onset of spring warmth, they appear in flower beds. Violas open their petals at the beginning of spring. There are spring and summer flowering varieties. Gardeners can choose any variety they like for their garden.

Violas have a thin stem with rounded leaves and single flowers. The height of the stem varies from 10 to 30 cm. Inside, the stem can be hollow, branched, triangular or erect. The buds of the plant are single with five petals and are located on triangular peduncles with two bracts close to the flower.

Pansy flowers have petals that are quite large and vary in size. The largest are two out of five, the rest are smaller. They come in a wide variety of colors. Their color range starts from white and goes almost to black. There are always spots in the center of the bud, which gives the flower a special charm. The flowers can be from 5 to 10 cm in diameter. They rise from the axils, emitting a light and delicate aroma. The stems have oval-shaped leaves of light green color. They have serrated or crenate edges.

Gallery: pansy flower (25 photos)

Varieties and classification

Violets delight the eye with a variety of color palettes. The height of the bushes differs in size. They are:

• short;
• tall;
• average.

The plant is also divided depending on the size of the flowers. There are species that have flowers:

• large;
• giant;
• small.

The flowers also differ in the edges of the petals. There are varieties with smooth or wavy edges. Flower petals can have different shades:

• double;
• monotonous;
• Contrasting stripes and spots.

Today there are about 250 species of pansies. Depending on the variety, they can be annual or perennial. There are several distinctive parameters between them:

Breeders have managed to develop varieties with an inflorescence diameter of more than 10 cm. There is also a variety intended for growing in hanging pots. It is characterized by long and abundant flowering. There are also varieties of solid shades used to contrast the flower bed.

Landing Features

Much in plant care will depend on the choice of planting location. Viola is a shade-tolerant plant species. However, dense shade will cause the flowers to fade. Signs of degeneration are manifested in the following symptoms:

• color saturation disappears;
• flowers become smaller;
• the stems begin to stretch and then fade;
• The flowering period is shortened.

A very important condition for flowering is the correct choice of soil. The best choice is fertile soil. It always contains a sufficient amount of moisture and nutrients. In such soil, pansies will not need intensive care. If necessary, you can add complex mineral fertilizers to the soil in the spring.

Flowers can be planted as seeds in open ground without burying them deep into the ground. Before planting, it is necessary to loosen the soil well. The crops should be well watered using a watering can with a fine strainer. This will allow the seeds to remain in the ground in their place. After a week, you can notice the first shoots.

If there is a desire to speed up the growth process of flowers, then seedlings are grown from seeds. This agrotechnical technique allows you to get more lush and early bushes. Seeds are sown in a greenhouse or greenhouse in advance. It is advisable to start growing seedlings in February.

Containers with seed material are first kept in a dark place for at least 7 days. With the appearance of the first shoots, the boxes are moved to a well-lit place. Further care consists of regular watering and hardening of the seeds. Ready seedlings are planted in May. After 1 month, the first flowers begin to bloom.

Depending on the timing of flowering, seeds are sown at different times. To get early flowers, sowing is done in the summer. This will allow you to get abundantly flowering bushes in spring or early summer. The earliest varieties bloom in April.

The plant is a winter-hardy species, however, in central Russia and the north-west of the country, they damp out and freeze out during the winter. Weakened flowers also do not tolerate wintering well. Bushes that have had time to bush well and have not outgrown winter best. You cannot sow the seeds too late, otherwise the plants will not be able to survive the winter because they will be weakened.

Features of cultivation

To successfully grow violets, preference should be given to open, sunny areas. If you sow seeds in the ground, you will not be able to achieve flowering in the same year. Beautiful greenery will appear, and the buds will bloom only next year. The seeds are then collected from them.

The area where the pansy flower will grow must be warmed up and illuminated by the sun for at least 6 hours a day. Fresh manure as a fertilizer is contraindicated for violas. During the growing process, it is recommended to fertilize every week to get lush buds and abundant flowering. The fertilizer should contain:

• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• nitrogen.

It is recommended to water the flowers 1-2 times a week, depending on weather conditions. After watering, you should loosen the soil, which will help the plants tolerate even abnormal heat in the summer. Lack of moisture will negatively affect the appearance of pansies. They will appear sprawled on the ground.

Diseases and pests

There are some diseases and pests that pose a great danger to violas. They are attacked quite often. Most often, flowers are attacked by:

Pests of pansies include aphids and spider mites. If these pests infect a flower, the plant begins to wither, stops blooming, and after a while may even die. To save it, it must be treated with special means.

Reproduction methods

The simplest and most effective method of propagation is considered to be vegetative for hybrid varieties. They are separated by green cuttings in open ground, which allows you to obtain a large amount of planting material in 1 season. Cuttings are taken in 2-3 doses from May to July. All green shoots with 2-3 nodes are considered suitable. Shaded and damp places are chosen for breeding. They make low rows. After this, they are compacted well and be sure to water.

The cuttings are planted to a depth of 0.5 cm so that the leaves of each cutting are in contact. After planting, they are sprinkled generously with water. To prevent them from disappearing, the cuttings need a good level of humidity, daily watering, weeding and spraying. Such conditions will promote rapid rooting.

Some gardeners propagate these flowers by seeds. They are selected after the bushes bloom. Seed pods form almost immediately after flowering. They begin to turn brown, after which they open and scatter their seeds around.

Flowers most often receive popular names; their origin is associated with beautiful romantic legends. In this sense, the tricolor violet was no exception. The appearance and shape of the flower really evokes an association, as if someone’s gaze is closely following the path and joyfully greeting visitors to the garden. This is probably how the legends about the girl Anyuta are born, faithfully waiting for her lover along the road.
There are many signs associated with these flowers. In Rus', it has long been believed that picking flowers means rain. Pansies were depicted on the coat of arms of the historical region, Izhora - near Karelia, which existed at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The tricolor violet has other names: Ivan da Marya, also associated with a beautiful legend about true love, and the name “moths” says that the bright petals really resemble the fluttering of carefree butterflies.
Popular rumor ascribes magical love spell properties to pansies. But it is known for sure that all parts of the plant are absolutely recognized by official medicine as a valuable medicinal raw material for the production of insulin and other glycosides that normalize the functioning of the endocrine system. In folk medicine, the plant is used to prepare cough infusions and diuretics. In this article we will tell you when to plant pansy seedlings, how to care for them, what varieties there are, and how to prevent flower diseases.

The botanical description of the violet is less poetic and is of interest to gardeners who are interested in breeding it and growing it in the garden as an early perennial plant.
Viola is a biennial plant. In nature, it is distributed throughout the European part of the continent, as well as in the regions of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. In the south it is found all the way to the southernmost borders of Russia, in Ukraine and Moldova. In the wild, viola grows like a weed and is hardy even in harsh subarctic conditions. Cultivated hybrids require care and replanting, since at the age of two the plant’s flowers become small and inconspicuous.
But the natural properties - hardiness and undemandingness - make it possible to grow interesting hybrids and use all possible methods of propagating pansies in the open ground and as an annual balcony decoration at home. Pansies, subject to simple care rules, transform garden plots in areas with cold climates.

Pansies: agricultural technology for growing from seeds

It would seem that there is nothing complicated or impossible in growing agricultural technology. But in garden beds and alpine hills you want to see not small wild flowers, but beautiful cultivated varieties with large inflorescences and the rarest colors.
Fans of pansies are not averse to admiring the delicate flowers growing in flowerpots, boxes and simply in pots on the balcony. Thanks to the efforts of modern breeders, such an opportunity exists - to do this, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the simple agricultural technology of growing tricolor violets, choose the variety you like and the method of cultivation.

Structure

The stem of the plant reaches a height of 10-15 cm to 30 cm, less often, in giant hybrids - up to 45 cm. Usually, several straight or curly stems extend from the root, depending on the care of the plants and their variety. The stems are bare or slightly pubescent with small fibers, ribbed triangular in shape.
The root system is fibrous: numerous lateral roots quite tightly surround the tap root.

The lower leaves are large, ovoid with long petioles, and the upper ones are oblong, sessile. Just like the stems of a plant, the leaves may be covered with hairs, depending on the type of flower. Between the upper leaves and the stem there are long stipules from which flower stalks appear.
The flower consists of a raceme on which there are 3-4 paired bracts. The flower calyxes do not fall off after flowering - the seeds ripen in them, which you can then collect yourself.
The corolla consists of 5 petals, where, as a rule, the lower, unpaired petal differs in shape and color. The two pairs of upper paired leaves are larger. In the center of the corolla there is a pistil and five stamens with anthers, tightly pressed to it. When the fruit ripens, the “pod with seeds”, it is tightly held by the sepals.

Reproduction

The unpretentiousness of pansies growing in the “wild” nature has allowed breeders to develop hybrids that are propagated by cuttings, planted by seedlings, and also by seeds.

Pansies: growing from seeds in open ground

Sowing seeds can be done at different times, depending on the desired flowering time.
In the middle zone and in the south, growing “pansies” from seeds in open ground begins in the middle or in the second half of September, when the weather is still warm, so that the seedlings have time to germinate and get stronger before the onset of cold weather. When sowing before winter, it is advisable to cover them if winters with little snow cover and severe frosts prevail in the region. It is not advisable to sow in these areas at an earlier time, since the seedlings may overgrow, and this will delay their flowering in the spring, and the flowers will be smaller.
In the northern regions, pansies should be sown in early August or no later than early September. Here, natural snow cover will serve as a shelter for young seedlings, but in early spring, during severe frosts, snow retention must be carried out so that before the onset of stable positive temperatures, the flowers do not die during night frosts.
Sowing seeds in open ground in May-June will allow you to decorate the garden with flowering plants in August-September.

Pansies: growing flowers in seedlings

For growing hybrids that are more demanding on weather conditions, in regions with a cold climate, where spring does not begin until mid-May, and the summer heat leaves already in early or mid-August, it is possible to admire pansies grown at home, using seedlings . In the spring, when the snow melts, warm weather sets in and the earth warms up, all that remains is to plant the seedlings in open ground. Alternatively, you can grow pansies in flowerpots so that you can transfer them to the garden in the summer. This method of growing will not cause any particular problems for gardeners.
Pansy flower seedlings can be grown in two ways: in peat pots or in boxes.

Sowing in peat pots

Small pots are filled with soil mixture to one third of the volume.
Seeds are sown, 3-5 pieces each, sprinkled with soil on top, no more than 1 cm.
Next, the pots are transferred to a container (tray), covered with film and placed in a warm place until the first pair of true leaves appear. Shoots appear within 10-14 days.
Every day, seedlings must be opened and left for ventilation, and the soil moisture must be monitored.
Seedlings are planted twice in seedling containers, with an interval of 5-7 days.
It is recommended to plant seedlings in the ground at night temperatures of at least 18 ºС.

Sowing in seedling boxes

• The prepared boxes are filled with soil mixture.
• Make grooves at a distance of 2 cm, 0.5-1.0 cm deep. Seeds are sown and sprinkled with soil.
• The soil is moistened regularly, before the first picking, by irrigation, as needed.
• After picking, the grown plants are transplanted into larger containers or separate pots, choosing the strongest seedlings. Watering and loosening is carried out as necessary.
• As in the first case, the boxes are stored at room temperature, under film, ventilating daily and moistening the soil if necessary.
  When forcing seedlings, you need to ensure sufficient and uniform lighting after germination. In addition, during the forcing period, it is advisable to feed pansies with complex mixtures. It is advisable to carry out fertilizing and preventive treatment with fungicides at least once every two weeks.

Attention!
When planting flowers of different varieties in open ground, to preserve the variety, be sure to follow the zoning rules, since as a result of cross-pollination, you may not see your favorite type of pansy in your garden next year.

Pansies: growing by cuttings

In the second year of life, pansy flowers, if they remain in the same place in the garden, become smaller. Such plantings need updating: in order for the flowering to be abundant next year, the plantings are thinned out, leaving one main stem with unblown ovaries, and the bushes cut in May with two or three nodes are planted in the ground. The cuttings are watered abundantly using biostimulants, which will accelerate the development of roots. In dry summers, it is better to carry out cuttings under a film, since during this period it is important to maintain moisture in the top layer of soil. The seedlings will bloom in early autumn. In addition, this method of planting rejuvenates the flowers.

Features of care

Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology will make flowering regular, long and abundant. Typically, all flowers prefer the conditions in which they grow in nature. Pansies are naturally found at the edge of the forest, in lean but fertile soil with a neutral acidity level. Sandy soils lead to crushing of flowers with insufficient fertilizing.
Pansies require moderate and regular watering, which is best done in the evening. After watering, it is necessary to loosen the soil to improve aeration. Excess moisture is detrimental to the roots of the tricolor violet. Lack of moisture leads to the fact that the stems begin to creep along the ground, stretching out and turning into creeping plants with small flowers. With insufficient watering, flowering also stops.
To stimulate the growth of vegetative mass, it is necessary to add nitrogen to the soil before planting, and to form buds and lush flowering - phosphorus and potassium. Mineral fertilizing should be applied strictly according to the norm, remembering that an excess of it is just as destructive for flowers as a deficiency.
Attention!
It is strictly forbidden to plant viola in soil fertilized with fresh manure. This is not only a source of nitrogen and organic matter, but also a breeding ground for infections.
Pests and diseases

There are quite a lot of bacteria, viruses and pathogenic fungi that affect pansies in the soil, water and air. Diseases to which all garden plants are susceptible:

• Powdery mildew
• Downy mildew
• Fusarium root and leaf blight
• Bronzing of leaves
• spotting

In addition to infectious diseases, violets suffer from aphids, root-knot nematodes, and spider mites. Don't mind eating the tender leaves of the slug. But the worst thing is that insects are the main distributors of infectious diseases. Therefore, to protect flowers, it is often necessary to simultaneously use both fungicidal and insecticidal agents in order to solve the problem comprehensively.
It is important to learn one golden rule that will help protect garden plants from many troubles: unfortunately, gardeners themselves are to blame for many diseases of their favorite flowers, because any violation of agrotechnical requirements leads to weakening of plants, and they become defenseless in the environment of bacteria, viruses, and insects -pests.
The best treatment for a disease is proper care. For example:
Watering with cold water causes stress in the plant and leads to mechanical damage to the roots, which shrink due to a sharp change in soil and water temperatures. Further, microcracks form in the roots into which viruses and bacteria living in the upper layers of the soil can easily penetrate. Gradually, harmful microorganisms increase their numbers, feeding on the intercellular juices of the flower, and when one plant dies, the harmful and invisible inhabitants of gardens and vegetable gardens spread to everything that grows and blooms nearby.

Pansies: choosing the best varieties for the flowerbed

The variety of colors of the flower is stunning with a riot of colors, and, of course, gives scope for creating landscape compositions: ridges, borders, alpine slides. But that's not all! Small and medium-sized, large and gigantic flowers are additional touches for decorating a flower bed, allowing you to play with shapes and sizes, creating volume and wavy lines.
Low-growing tricolor viola with large flowers (5-8 cm) is suitable for edging garden paths. Viola Wittrock with giant flowers reaching 10 centimeters in diameter can become the center of a composition of violets. All together, flowers of different sizes can form the basis for a flowerbed of continuous flowering, from early spring to late autumn, if you follow the calendar, plant seedlings first, then sow seeds, and in mid-summer update the flowerbed with seedlings from cut cuttings.
Advice!
Whatever type of tricolor violet is chosen to decorate the garden, do not forget to pay attention to cultivating a living flower carpet. If you loosen the soil in a timely manner, water the flowerbed and cut off fading plants, the flowerbed will always be renewed, look fresh and delight you with an abundance of flowers.
Finally, before you buy pansy seeds, draw a landscape plan, indicating step by step what variety and color you need to place. You need to transfer the drawing to the plot, calculate the required number of seeds, and only after that go shopping.
Of the four hundred species of viola bred by breeders, at least ten are sure to attract your attention. This will be enough to implement the idea.

Pansy Victorian Blend

Belongs to the Rococo variety. The bush grows 18-25 cm in length, the diameter of the flowers reaches 5.5 cm. The variety is distinguished by dense and abundant flowering. The flowers are characterized by variegated, bright shades and strongly wavy petals. The flowering period begins at the end of April and ends in August. They are usually used to decorate flower beds or borders, and are also used for planting in groups in flower beds.
The plant is highly frost-resistant. It grows well in loose, fertile soils and loves sun, but can also grow in partial shade. The seeds are sown in June, and at the end of August - beginning of September, the seedlings are planted in the ground at a distance of 15-20 cm.

Pansy Dynamite

The large-flowered, frost-resistant variety of pansies begins to bloom one of the first among other varieties. Features a compact appearance. It has bright single-color petals and comes in different shades. The biennial plant blooms both in spring and autumn, and the diameter of the flowers reaches 8 cm. It is not whimsical and blooms in the year of sowing when planted early. Flowers of this variety are often found in gardens, flowerpots and pots.
Seeds for seedlings are sown from February to August. The first shoots appear after 7-10 days, provided they are stored under transparent film or glass and the temperature is maintained at 18-20 degrees. When the seeds germinate, the glass is removed from them and grown in bright places, protected from direct sunlight. Planting seedlings in the ground is carried out at a distance of 20-25 cm.
Seeds are sown in open ground from mid-spring to late summer. The plant should grow in a cool place.

Freedom

The flowers of this series reach 5 cm in diameter and grow close to each other, growing well. They are undemanding, frost-resistant and very hardy. They tolerate rain better than others and often harmoniously complement other spring plants. Blooms more effectively when grown in cool places.
It is planted in open ground until mid-summer. Harvesting of seedlings begins from January to February. The plant grows best in sunny areas and loves moisture. To ensure stronger flowering, fading flowers are removed.

Blueberries with cream

The plants reach a height of 15 cm. Abundant flowering and compactness, together with the original color of a predominantly dark purple hue with a white edging, make the series especially impressive. Often seen in borders and flower beds, as well as in flower beds. The variety begins to bloom in mid-spring, and the last period falls at the end of autumn. The variety is resistant to frost and unpretentious in cultivation. Grows in fertile, loose soils. Loves the sun, but can also grow in partial shade.

Viola Aurora

The variety has branched, compact bushes that grow up to 20-25 cm. The average size of flowers (5-7 cm) with abundant flowering complements the beautiful coloring. Along the edge of the corrugated petals, the main background is complemented by an original edging, the width of which varies depending on temperature conditions. Coloring can change intensity, creating a lively play of colors. The variety series is used for border and group plantings in open soil or for decorating garden vases or balconies.
When sown for seedlings in early March, flowering begins in the same year. Planting in the ground is carried out before the end of frost. For flowering next year, planting in a permanent place is carried out in the first two months of summer. Grows well in moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Loves sunny places or partial shade.

Viola ampelous Waterfall

The golden-colored flowers reach 5 cm in diameter, forming a ball with dense, continuous flowering. The hanging shoots of the cascade variety grow up to 30 cm. The plant loves moisture and sun. Tolerates frosts well. The first flowers bloom in May. The flowering period ends in September. When sown from February to March, it begins to bloom in the same year. Planting in a permanent place is carried out in the last days of April or early May, maintaining a distance of 20 cm. Looks great on balconies in hanging pots.

Viola Williams Velor

Flowers with a diameter of 3-4 cm grow tightly adjacent to each other, creating a lush ball. Compact bushes grow up to 20 cm in height and up to 30 cm in diameter. A perennial, profusely flowering plant of bright colors, it differs favorably from other varieties in its cultivation characteristics. It is unpretentious and tolerates bad weather conditions well. It is grown in groups on borders or alpine hills, as well as in balcony flowerpots.
Grows in sunny or partial shade in well-drained soil. Sowing of seedlings begins in February and ends in April, and at the end of May the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place. When planted, seedlings bloom from mid-summer until the first frost. When planted by sowing seeds, flowering begins next year. Flowering period: beginning of March - end of November. The variety should be fertilized only with complex mineral fertilizers and covered for the winter. To extend the flowering period, you need to remove faded flowers.

Viola Wittrock Alpensee

The bushes of this variety grow up to 15 cm, and the diameter of the flowers is approximately 5.5-6.5 cm. The plant is unpretentious in cultivation, loves sun and moisture. Has good frost resistance. When planted by seedlings, it begins to bloom in the same year. Seeds for seedlings are sown in February and March. Sowing in a permanent place is carried out in the first two months of summer, with flowering occurring the following year. The flowering period is from late spring to early autumn. Planted in garden vases, balcony boxes or in flower beds and ridges.

Empire style

Very large flowers reach 10 cm in diameter. The ornamental plant is exceptionally impressive. It has a bright, eye-catching color. Grows in sun or semi-dark areas. Loves moist, drained and fertile soils. Requires moderate watering during dry times to maintain flower size. The largest flowers grow when the temperature is maintained at 15 degrees.
Seeds are sown from January to February, and in May they are transplanted to open ground. For flowering next year, sowing is carried out at the beginning of summer, and planting in a permanent place at the end.

Russian beauty

Sowing seeds for seedlings in early March, seedlings appear within a week. Picking in the phase of two true leaves. Seedlings are planted in open ground in April-May. When sown in open ground in June-July, it blooms the following year.
The variety has large flowers with a diameter of 7-9 cm. Low, compact bushes grow up to 15 cm. The plant belongs to the early flowering varieties. Can be grown in sunny or partial shade. Unpretentious to grow. It grows well in small volumes of soil and has high frost resistance. Suitable for decorating borders and flower beds, as well as for planting in balcony boxes and garden containers.

Pansies or viola - a symbol of separation in France and Poland - are familiar to every person. Low bushes with 2-3 flowers of various colors often decorate city flower beds and garden plots, and simply bloom on their own in parks and alleys. Growing pansies from seeds or seedlings is simple, taking into account some subtleties.

Pansies: cultivation and care

The main problem facing those who want to plant pansies on their property is how exactly to grow this lovely flower. Although it is part of the perennial group, you can work with it as an annual or biennial. The choice of a specific strategy depends on the region in which the planting is taking place. In particular, in the middle zone, viola will not survive the harsh winter, and therefore it grows as an annual. But in the southern regions, pansies are grown as a biennial.

However, this flower cannot be called fragile and not resistant to cold. Those bushes that were planted late in open ground and, therefore, did not have time to get stronger in time will not tolerate frost. In addition, if the winter turns out to be practically snowless, and in the spring the daytime warmth is actively replaced by night frosts, the pansies will die. It is precisely these temperature jumps that are characteristic of a sharply continental climate and the middle zone in general. All these nuances force gardeners to breed viola using the method used for annuals.

For example, pansies must be protected from the cold by covering material, thrown onto the flowerbed not only at the end of autumn, but also at the very beginning of spring. This will protect the plant from March temperature changes and promotes early flowering. In winter, it is additionally necessary to trap snow on top of the covering material to increase warmth. And under no circumstances should violas be planted in lowlands, where low temperatures and moisture accumulation are typically observed.

It should be noted that pansies can be grown and propagated not only by seed, but also by cuttings. For this purpose, shoots with 2-3 nodes are cut off from flowers growing in open ground, often closer to July (if we are talking about specimens planted in May). Without any preliminary preparation, they are simply placed in the ground in a bed with the same soil composition as their “parents” and moistened with a spray bottle.

Their root system will develop within a month, and flowering can only be expected next year. Thus, this method is suitable only for areas with mild winters. But cuttings are considered the best option for cultivating pansies, allowing to prevent excessive growth of the bush.

Pansies: photos of flowers and the best varieties

Beginning gardeners believe that pansies have no color other than the classic purple-yellow and less expressive white-lilac color. However, this flower has many varieties, differing in bush size and, of course, color. Which ones should you choose for your flowerbed?

Among the small-flowered varieties, “Snegurochka” deserves attention. These are wonderful snow-white flowers with a diameter of 3-4 cm, contrasting with dark leaves. They are most often found in summer cottages, they sow and grow on their own, and are more than unpretentious. A rather unusual variety is “Little Red Riding Hood”. Its flowers are bright scarlet, as small as those of the previous specimen, but definitely do not go unnoticed.

The group of large-flowered varieties is more popular among gardeners. The height of the bushes themselves can reach 15-20 cm, and the diameter of the flowers is 5-7 cm. “Winter Sun” is distinguished by a yellow tint with lower velvety brown petals. “March Magic”, on the contrary, is a cooler-toned flower - the color is dark purple, turning into black as it blooms, the diameter is no more than 5.5 cm.

Another 1 group is gigantic. In fact, the bushes here are not that high (up to 30 cm), they just seem like giants in comparison with their lower counterparts. The diameter of the flowers can reach 10-12 cm, the height of the stem is up to 11 cm. Interesting among them are the varieties “Golden-yellow”, whose name directly indicates the color, and “Blue”: this specimen also has purple blotches on blue petals .

Growing pansy seedlings: methods

• It is necessary to understand both algorithms for growing pansies in order to subsequently choose the only one convenient for yourself. And you immediately need to note the timing of sowing seedlings for each method. If viola is grown as an annual, sowing is carried out already in early February. In this case, the beginning of summer will be marked by the opening of buds. If you want to see flowers only for next year, you can sow pansy seedlings closer to the end of June.
• According to the algorithm for annual plants, viola is grown in cold regions of Russia. For this purpose, large boxes or pots are filled with a substrate consisting of turf soil and compost that has had time to rot. The ratio of these parts is equal. And after filling the containers, the soil must be carefully moistened and laid out in thin, shallow (1.5 cm) rows. Seeds will be poured into them, covered with a thin layer of substrate. Finally, it is carefully trampled down.
• While waiting for germination, it is recommended to cover the seedling container with glass. For the same purpose, thick film or even a plastic bag is used. However, condensation must be shaken off from them daily. And the boxes themselves are kept in relative heat, however, not as strong as for other seedlings: the upper limit of the temperature corridor is 15 degrees, the lower – 10 degrees.
• As soon as the sprouts hatch - this will happen in 12-14 days - it is necessary to place containers with seedlings in an area that receives a sufficient amount of sunlight. This could be a windowsill or even a balcony. But the air temperature should not exceed 10 degrees. Picking is done when the plants get stronger. And the planting of pansy seedlings in open ground is carried out no earlier than the 1st of May for annuals.
• How is picking done? To do it, you need to wait until 3-4 leaves appear on the plant, and then prepare separate pots. They need to be filled not with turf and compost, but with soil from the area where flowers will subsequently grow. Seedlings should be removed from the current box carefully, trying not to damage the roots.
• After this, the hardening stage begins, lasting a whole month. Pots with young plants are taken out onto a ventilated balcony, under the sun's rays, where they are kept first for only 30 minutes, then 1.5 hours, then 2.5 hours, etc. If further transplantation into open ground is planned, it is carried out only a month after the picking. If pansies grow on a balcony or terrace, they can be redistributed into a flowerbed at any time.

Pansies: growing from seeds in open ground

Pansies are sown in open ground only in the southern regions, and even there most often - under a film or in a greenhouse. Nevertheless, the initial stage of growth in flowers should take place in the mildest possible temperature. In terms of timing, this is also June, and the sowing process itself differs little from what was done for seedlings. Unless the bed is filled with turf and compost, but the most fertile area with well-drained soil is simply selected. In the loosened soil, grooves 1-1.5 cm deep are drawn, and seeds are densely planted in them. They are covered with earth and carefully moistened.

Picking in open ground is also done after 3-4 sheets are found, and is carried out according to a 20 by 20 pattern. They are spread across flower beds only after a month. Until this moment, you will have to carry out an active campaign to care for pansies. In particular, pay attention to the issue of feeding them. To do this, gardeners use mineral fertilizers, which must contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Ammonium nitrate and superphosphate work well. For 1 sq.m. These drugs are taken in 20-30 g doses.

Before the flowering period, the viola is diligently watered, especially if the summer is hot. Additionally, it is necessary to remove drying leaves and fading flowers.

In order for pansies to survive the winter well, it is not recommended to shift their sowing dates to earlier dates.

Otherwise, the rules for caring for and growing pansies are simple. These are standard procedures typical for other flowering plants. What’s especially nice is that viola easily coexists in the flowerbed with any bulbous plants. This means it will fit exactly into the design of your site.

Describe all existing varieties and hybrids of pansies(Wittrock violets, violas) is very difficult, so we will tell you about the most popular of them.
For convenience, we will use the generally accepted classification by flower size.

Plants whose varieties differ only in flower color are usually grouped into variety networks, so we give their descriptions.

Small-flowered violets (pansies)

The diameter of the flowers is up to 6 cm.

Medium-flowered Wittrock violets

Diameter 6-7.5cm

Photo	Description
	Trimardo. The variety series was created in France at the end of the 19th century. Gardeners love them for their fast growth, lush greenery, abundant flowering, and classic flower shape. The best varieties of pansy Trimardo: Adonis - soft blue, Cardinal - dark red, Morenkönig - black, Lord Beaconsfield and Super Beaconsfield - blue-violet lower petals, white upper ones.
	Schweitzer Risen(Swiss giant). Large flowers on low bushes, bred in 1927. The main advantages are early flowering, abundant flowering, excellent winter hardiness. The most famous varieties: The finest is pure white, Firnengold - golden yellow, brown spot, Orange Marie - orange-apricot, Flamme - brick red, Abendglut - dark red, Alpensee - blue, Bergwacht - blue-violet.
	Crystal Bowl F1(Crystal Bowl F1). Dwarf variety series, includes 12 varieties. Uniform color of flowers, numerous buds, dark green small leaves. They look best when planted in groups. An important advantage is that they tolerate heat better than other varieties, which is why they are chosen for planting in open areas.
	Maxim F1(Maxim Series F1). Hardy varieties that tolerate both heat and cold. Early and quite long flowering. The variety series includes 12 varieties, reflecting shades in the name (Maxim Orange, Maxim Rose, etc.), the distinctive feature is a dark eye.
	Giant Forrunner F1 (Giant Forerunner F1). One of the best in terms of winter hardiness. Includes 15 varieties.
	Joker F2(Joker F2). The name is given because of its eye-catching color: the flower petals are painted in two and sometimes three bright colors, and have an interesting corolla shape. Includes 7 varieties of pansies that winter well. The Jolly Joker variety has medals at exhibitions.
	Veseler Ice F1(Weseler Eis F1). 8 varieties, all characterized by abundant flowering. The coloring is different.
	Spring Time F1(Springtime F1). Early and long flowering, compactness, winter hardiness. There are 20 known varieties, one of the best is Spring Time Cassis, with a thin white stripe along the edges of purple petals.
	Padparadscha F1(Padparadja F1). Orange-orange flowers, bright and long-lasting flowering.
	Quedlinburger Risen(Quedlinburger Riesen). Sometimes the variety is called Quedlinburg giant violets; the variety has been known for a very long time. Advantage - early flowering, disadvantage - poor winter hardiness.

Large-flowered pansies.

The diameter of the flowers is 7.5-8.5 cm.

Photo	Description
	Crown F1(Crown F1). Magnificent, bright, regular shape and color (without spots) flowers on dwarf bushes. They look great in group plantings, and they also branch strongly. There are 9 varieties and variety mixtures on sale.
	Imperial(Imperial) A very long-flowering variety. Flower with a large spot. 12 varieties of various colors, of which the best are Imperial Frosty Rose and Imperial Antique Shades.
	Regal F1(Regal Series F1). Almost similar to the Crown variety series. The difference is the dark eyes on the petals. 7 varieties and variety mixtures.
	Cats F1(Cats Series F1). The variety series received the name “cats” because of the original pattern on the lower petals of the flowers - thin stripes of contrasting colors, like a cat’s whiskers. There are 4 varieties.
	Fama F1(Fama Series F1). A series of pansy varieties for growing on the balcony, in pots or containers. Includes 17 varieties, flowers both plain and variegated.
	Shalon Supreme(Chalon Supreme). Original strongly corrugated petals in white-yellow-lilac-violet tones. 5 varieties.
	Fancy F1(Fency Series F1). 24 varieties of various colors, some plain and some with spots.
	Power F1. Attracts with the brightness of the color combinations of the petals (for example, lemon with purple, red-brown with yellow). Compact bushes, flowering throughout the season. There are 13 known varieties.
	Dynamite. An interesting variety series with an unusual color. 13 varieties have bright spots on the lower petals, 10 varieties are plain. Particularly unusual Strawberry variety(Strawberry), part of this variety series - it changes shade depending on the weather, becoming brighter in the cold, and lighter in the heat.
	Ultima F1(Ultima Series F1). Resistant to cool weather - they were planted in Moscow on City Day (early September) and bloomed almost until it snowed. In turn, Ultima is divided into 3 groups. Ultima Baron- varieties with very bright colors: Red - red and yellow pansies, Merlot - burgundy with a white spot and light shading, Mahogany - purple with a bright yellow center, Ashes are purple with a lemon spot.
	Ultima Biken- calmer color, mostly white with shades of yellow, orange, purple.
	Ultima Raidens- absolutely amazing shade transitions in each flower. Pink - from light pink to dark pink, Red - from orange to dark red, Blue - from cream to dark lilac.

Giant pansies

Pansy or tricolor violet (viola) is a common variety of flowers, loved by many gardeners because of its ease of care and variety of flowering. The color palette of the plant varies from snow-white milky to black and purple. Thanks to the unusual pattern of inflorescences and seed pods, reminiscent of a human face, pansies are associated with many legends and superstitions. It is believed that the plant helps to find love and bewitch a loved one. And in France and Poland, this particular flower is given after a long separation. Pansies will decorate any garden plot, flower bed or lawn with their charming appearance.

Description of the plant

Pansies (Wittrock's viola) belong to the group of perennial garden plants. However, due to their wide distribution in mid-latitudes, they are often grown for no more than two years. The height of the bush depends on the variety and climatic conditions, usually 15-30 centimeters. Externally, the flowers are very similar to violets, from which they were bred. The plant has a fibrous root system and an erect main stem.

Pansies

In the first month after planting, the bush is compact, and by the end of the first year of life it can grow significantly in width. The flowers are single, but on one bush their number can be more than 10, the diameter of one inflorescence is up to 7 centimeters, depending on the variety. The color range of pansies is varied, which is often used by gardeners to decorate a flower bed or terrace. There are single-color varieties and three-color hybrids.

Many gardeners love this plant for its early flowering, which occurs in April-May, when other plants are still in a state of growth.

Types and varieties

With the help of selection, numerous varieties of pansies have been developed, which are distinguished by their growth characteristics, resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions, diseases, and also have different shades of petals. There are more than 400 varieties of this plant, divided into groups depending on the size of the flower.

Small-flowered

The diameter of one flower in these species does not exceed 6 centimeters.

• Hemalis winter. This is a combined name for numerous varieties of pansies, characterized by early and very long flowering. They are frost-resistant and compact, which makes it possible to grow them even on the balcony. The most famous varieties of Hemalis: Nordpol (white flowers), Helios (bright yellow), Mars (rich blue color), Jupiter (white-red petals);

Helios

• Station wagon F1. This group includes 10 varieties, distinguished by small bushes and abundant flowering;
• Rococo. This variety is characterized by ruffled petals of a purple hue;
• Flamenco F1. A variety that does not tolerate frost well, but has a unique color - a blurry yellow spot in the center of a red-orange petal.

Medium flowered

These varieties have flower diameters from 6 to 7.5 centimeters.

• Trimardo. One of the oldest types of pansies. They have a spreading bush and abundant flowering. The flower shape is classic, the color depends on the variety. For example, Adonis (light blue petals), Cardinal (dark red), Morenkönig (black);

Adonis

• Swiss giant. The advantage of this species is the early onset of flowering and unique resistance to frost. The most famous varieties of this species are Firneshnee (white petals), Flamme (orange-red), Bergwacht (purple-blue).
• Joker F2. The petals of this hybrid species are colored in two or three very bright colors. 7 varieties have been developed, the most famous of them is Jolly Joker;
• Veseler Ice F1. This species is represented by 8 varieties of different colors;
• Quedlinburger Risen. A fairly common type of pansy in Europe. It has abundant early flowering, but poor resistance to low temperatures.

Large-flowered

The diameter of these types of pansies reaches 8.5 centimeters.

• Crown F1. This species has large flowers with small bushes. Great for decorating flower beds. 9 varieties are presented;

Crown F1

• Power F1. The petals of plants of this species have bright colors and long flowering. The most common are 13 varieties;
• Shalon Supreme. The species is represented by only 5 varieties, the peculiarity of which is corrugated petals of various shades of purple;
• Dynamite. One of the most interesting viol series. 13 varieties have single-color petals with a large spot of contrasting color; 10 varieties are completely monochromatic. The most unusual variety of this species is Strawberry; the flower petals of this hybrid change color depending on the air temperature.

Giant violas

Varieties of this type have flowers with a diameter of 8.5 centimeters.

• Super Majestic Giants F1. This type of pansy is represented by 8 varieties with a long flowering period. The diameter of the flowers reaches 11 centimeters with a relatively small bush size. The color of the petals is represented by a wide range of colors from beige to purple;
• Magnum F1. The newest species in the series with early flowering. 12 varieties have been developed.

These are not all types and varieties of violas. Using breeding methods, new hybrids are regularly developed that have unusual colors and flowering characteristics.

Features of growing from seeds

Pansies are not difficult to grow, so they are great even for novice gardeners. There are two methods by which you can grow flowers - planting seeds or cuttings. Planting seeds should take into account climate conditions, as well as the planned flowering time. Planting is often done in the summer of the previous farming season. In unfavorable climate conditions, planting can begin at the end of July. In regions with frequent frosts and cold summers, it is best to choose the most frost-resistant plant varieties.

Seeds

If you plant seeds only in early summer, there is a chance that pansies will bloom only at the end of autumn, which increases the risk of plants freezing. As a rule, bushes that do not bloom until autumn tolerate cold weather better and bloom profusely the following year.

It is best to plant seeds in sunny and light areas in moderately moist soil. Violas do not tolerate shade and stagnant water in the ground. In addition, it is advisable to plant plants in a place where there were already violas before; as a rule, this has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the plants. Seeds, pre-soaked, are planted over a short period, depending on the desired density of the bushes. Sprouts appear two weeks after sowing. But to speed up the growth of plants, you can cover the area with flowers with plastic film to create a greenhouse effect. Caring for them is not difficult - you just need regular watering and loosening the soil. You can also feed the flowers with a weak urea solution to stimulate the growth of green mass.

Some gardeners plant pre-grown seedlings in prepared soil. This method reduces the risk of plant death while still in seed state and is excellent for regions with unfavorable climatic conditions.

Care during the flowering period

During flowering, plants need special care; they need constant watering, loosening the soil, and also getting rid of weeds. This improves flower quality and prolongs flowering time.

• immediately after planting, regular loosening of the soil and daily moderate watering are necessary;
• For active plant growth and successful formation of ovaries, it is important to feed pansies. Complex mineral additives can be used as fertilizer, but the use of organic fertilizers is prohibited. Read more about the types and features of applying mineral fertilizers here;

Mineral fertilizers

• During the flowering period, faded buds must be removed in time to allow new ones to grow. Plus, this technique allows you to avoid fruiting, which will lead to the cessation of flowering;
• When growing spring varieties of viola, after flowering they need to be dug up, after which summer varieties can be planted.

Growing as an annual crop

Pansies are often used as annual flowers. To do this, the seeds need to be planted in containers that are covered with transparent plastic film. Starting in April, you can transplant the seedlings into a greenhouse or greenhouse; after a month, the plants are completely ready for planting in an open sunny place. In warm regions, planting is permissible from the beginning of spring; this will allow flowering to occur by mid-June. As a rule, violas begin to bloom 2 months after planting.

Annual flowers are distinguished by a smaller diameter of petals and small bushes. Therefore, this type of cultivation is not suitable for the formation of a large flowering lawn.

Cuttings

Many pansy hybrids can be grown using cuttings. This method allows you to preserve and improve all the species characteristics of an individual.

Cuttings

1. Shoots with several ovaries are harvested from early May to late July. Next, they are planted in the prepared soil;
2. It is advisable to plant cuttings in well-compacted beds with high density. It is important to monitor the planting depth; it should not exceed a few centimeters. Up to 400 plants can be planted per 1 square meter;
3. After the cuttings are in the ground, the soil must be moistened with a spray bottle or a small watering can and complex fertilizer must be applied;
4. To better adapt the colors, you can cover the area with damp paper or a glass jar. This will protect the plants from unfavorable external conditions. In the future, care is the same as for seed planting.

Using cuttings, you can rejuvenate perennial plants that lose their quality and grow strongly over the entire area. From one pansy bush you can get more than 10 new plants.

Diseases and pests

Although pansies are known for their resistance to disease and pests, there are a number of problems that gardeners may encounter.

The most common diseases are:

• rot– affect the stem and roots of the plant, causing blackening of the surface and wilting. If the infection is minor, you can remove the infected areas of the plant, but if the infection is significant, the use of fungicides is necessary;

Rot

Only regular preventive treatment and compliance with growing conditions will help avoid the appearance of pests and diseases. Often the appearance of a disease on one plant can lead to the death of the entire planting.

Pests are no less dangerous for violas. They typically appear in humid climates and on old plants with frequent planting.

• Aphid. These are very small insects that live in large colonies. They infect the entire surface of the plant, most often the stem, and feed on its juices. As a result, the flower dies or weakens significantly. You can get rid of aphids using insecticides;
• Root root nematodes. This is a type of worm that appears in the roots of pansies. Settling inside the root system, they eat it away from the inside. As a result, galls or swellings form on the roots, causing the plant to quickly die. The problem can only be dealt with with the help of insecticides. As a rule, it is necessary to treat plants twice, since the chemicals do not affect nematode eggs;
• garden slugs. Pests eat the above-ground parts of the plant. They affect not only pansies, but also other flowers in the area. To get rid of slugs, you can mulch the soil or make special baits.

For a clear example of growing pansies from seeds, see Ivideo

Conclusion

Pansies or viola are charming flowers that will decorate any garden plot. They have numerous colors and petal sizes, which allows you to create entire flower pictures in your garden. Plus, these are perennial plants that, with proper care, will delight you for many years. Read more about the varieties and cultivation of garden viola here.

Charming pansies rarely leave anyone indifferent. Today it is a flower actively cultivated to decorate flower beds in summer cottages and city parks. The ancestor of the Viola genus, which includes pansy flowers, is considered a small wild field plant.

Domesticated varieties, of which there are more than 250, are larger - reaching a height of up to 30 cm. Large bright flowers invariably attract attention. The plant does not require complex care.

There are annual, biennial, and perennial pansy flowers. A variety of colors allows you to create a flower bed to suit every taste.

Features of caring for pansies

In order for lush, long-lasting flowering to please the eye, the following care features must be taken into account:

• a sunny place that is illuminated and warmed by gentle rays for at least 6 hours a day is the best choice for growing this flower;
• watering is carried out weekly, shifting the moisture schedule depending on current weather conditions;
• fertilizing is carried out at the same frequency as watering, since the plant requires strength for an active set of buds and prolonged flowering;
• the flower is highly resistant to cold, so it can survive even minor frosts;
• You should wait for flowering only in the 2nd year, because in the 1st year the plant only gains green mass.

Growing pansies

Pansies are an unpretentious plant, but planting and care require attention and compliance with certain rules.

Planting pansies

To quickly achieve flowering, experienced gardeners recommend planting in mid-summer. To begin with, pansy seeds are planted as seedlings indoors. As soon as the heat subsides, the plants grow and are transferred to open ground.

The seedlings are placed at a distance of 20-25 cm, because subsequently the bush increases significantly in size. The plant should be transferred along with the root soil. The planting depth should correspond to the size of the earth ball on the roots.

The main condition for planting is the absence of sunlight when the seedlings are moved. The soil must be moistened and fertilized. Until the plant takes root, it is necessary to provide regular watering. The soil around the planted plants is mulched. Seedlings are provided with protection from wind and cold.

Features of caring for adult plants

Planting and caring for pansies is not particularly difficult, but for the plant to feel good, you must follow some recommendations:

• the soil for flowers should be soft, fertilized, and regularly loosened;
• the plant is provided with frequent feeding and watering, while the soil must have time to dry out as root rot may occur;
• It is better to shade the plant from direct sunlight because heat slows down the development of buds, reduces the intensity and duration of flowering;
• provide a ventilated place of growth, do not allow stagnation of water or the formation of an earthen crust;
• it is necessary to form a bush - pinch out insufficiently strong shoots;
• wilted flowers are removed in a timely manner to prevent the formation of seeds and prolong abundant flowering;
• dried specimens need to be trimmed and the bushes fertilized;
• from the moment of a steady decrease in air temperature, the plant is prepared for wintering: feeding is stopped, pruned, covered with insulation (sawdust, peat).

Diseases of pansies

Pansies are often susceptible to diseases. The plant should be protected from diseases and pests. The main ones are:

• powdery mildew;
• bacterial spot;
• gray rot.

Aphids and slugs hold the palm among pests that “love” pansies.

Among unpretentious flowers, pansies occupy not the last place. They do not require complex care and respond gratefully to caring treatment. In the photo of pansy flowers you can see how charming these babies are.

Photo of pansies