Product Review

Viola wittrockiana is a well-known and popular bedding plant for early fall, winter and spring blooms. This Swiss Giant Pansy 'Bergwacht' has large 3 - 4 inch velvety blue and violet blooms with a black blotch. Pansies are lovely in the front of the flower bed or in containers and baskets. They mix well with spring bulbs and are great for early color. These large pansies are quite charming and old fashioned coming from Switzerland in the early 1900s. They make nice cut flowers as well. For spring blooms, it is best to start the seed indoors in the late winter. Press the seed into the soil and lightly cover with peat moss. Darkness aids germination so it is best to shade the starter tray. With a temperature of 65 - 70F, germination normally occurs within 21 days. Harden off the seedling prior to planting outdoors. Space the young plants outdoors 9 - 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil. Twelve weeks are needed from seeding to blooming. Deadheading encourages continuous blooms. Pansies are known to reseed.