Viola tricolor aka Pansy

Taxonomy

Viola tricolor, also known as wild pansy, Johnny Jump up, heartsease, heart's delight, tickle-my-fancy, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, come-and-cuddle-me, and pink of my john, is a common European wild flower that can grow as an annual or short-lived perennial. This species has been introduced into North America where it has spread and is the progenitor of the cultivated pansy. Before the cultivated pansies were developed, "pansy" was an alternative name for the wild form. Viola tricolor can produce up to 50 seeds at a time, and its flowers can be purple, blue, yellow, or white. There are over 500 different species of violas, and most of the violas cultivated in gardens are grown as annuals or short-lived perennials. Many will self-seed and give you years of delight. Primarily cool-season bloomers, violas are perfect for starting and ending the season in colder climates and for bridging the seasons in warmer zones, where they can remain in bloom throughout the winter. Viola flowers are edible and make unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients. They can also be candied for a frosted effect or used to decorate cakes or other confections. Wild pansy is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for, needing regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Pansy, Johnny Jumpup, Viola

How to care for Pansy

Difficulty

Pansy is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Pansy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pansy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Pansy requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pansy will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pansy to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Pansy is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Pansy should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Pansy’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia