Grow a garden filled with Swiss Giants Pansy, from freshly harvested Viola wittrockiana flower seeds. Swiss Giants is comprised of gorgeous, 3 inch paper like flowers in shades of red, rose, yellow, blue, purple and white. The plants reach a mature height of about 6 to 8 inches tall, making it a great flower for beds, pots, containers, window boxes and baskets.
Swiss Giants is a pretty hardy plant, grown to bloom in cooler temperatures of fall and winter. It is grown as an annual flowering plant that establishes quickly from flower seeds, blooms profusely, then later dies with very harsh temperatures. Sought after as an edible flower, the colorful blooms are often added to salads and used as a garnish.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Mixture
- Height: 6″ to 8″ Tall
- Width: 6″ to 8″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Environment: Full Sun
Sowing The Seed
Pansy seeds are best started indoors in a controlled environment. Sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost, at a shallow depth of 1/16″ under topsoil. Transplant entire peat pots or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. (Keep in mind that direct light is required for successful germination, which is why the seeds should only be sown at a shallow depth.)
Growing Conditions
Pansy seeds and plants will thrive in an area of full sunlight to light shade, in cooler temperatures of at least 65F to 70F. The soil should be rich & fertile and also well drained. To improve drainage, it is recommended that you mix any hard, compact soil with a light compost. Water the sowing area daily so that the topsoil is moist until germination occurs. Water regularly thereafter, but avoid drowning.
Germination & Growth
The Pansy seeds will begin to sprout open within 7 to 21 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 6 to 8 inches tall and can be spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart. The Swiss Giants Mix produces a beautiful mixture of colors including rose, pink, purple, blue and yellow. Excellent choice for pots & containers, window boxes, flower beds and baskets.