Flowers are making a comeback on social media: in crowns, in the kitchen, in patterns on clothes, flowers are queen and are everywhere. The pansy is no exception to the rule since it is one of the most cultivated flowers and one that we probably see most regularly. Floral discovery!
Any thoughts?
Pansies are flowers that fall into the category of perennials, and which bloom for a short time. They are annual plants, the first flowering being the most impressive, with a multitude of small flowers. They are relatively small (between 10 and 15 cm). In the usual colors, we can note yellow, white, red, purple, and blue. They are native to the southern hemisphere and are close to violets.
Flowers in a pot
Of course, you first have to buy the flowers. They are most often sold in pots, which allows for a relatively easy and quick choice. Don’t hesitate to leave aside any pots that are not in flower or, on the contrary, whose flowering is already too advanced, at the risk of being less able to enjoy them later. Or, it is of course possible to plant your pansy seeds, which we will see now.
The different varieties
Before going through the purchase box, it is better to inquire in a garden center or on the internet about the various varieties of existing pansies, depending on the desired effects, the desired colors, etc. We can then match them with the other flowers in the garden or play on disparate colors on the contrary. In addition, there are also various sizes for this flower: huge, miniature, or standard size.
Sowing seeds…
In the departments where life is good (the warmest), you can grow pansy seeds from mid-summer until the end of autumn. And in the coolest places, pansies can be sown from spring until autumn. The easiest thing is to plant them in pots, in potting soil that is specifically designed for sowing. The seeds will then start to germinate after 21 days, or even 28 days. Patience.
To optimize the success of sowing, do not hesitate to wrap the pot in plastic film: this tip will keep the pots moist. You will then need to place them in a place where it is relatively warm and in the shade, but not completely dark.
The plantation
When the seedlings start to emerge, it is time to plant them in the ground. Pansies are light-hungry and like to grow in well-drained soil. It is therefore important to choose a spot in the garden or balcony that is conducive to this. In warmer regions, be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight on sunny afternoons.
The power of fertilizer
To make your pansies more beautiful and vigorous, it can be a good idea to help them grow by giving them fertilizer. Soluble fertilizers will be perfectly suited to the needs of these colorful flowers. Fertilizing once a week should help potted plants to grow even better.
As soon as wilted flowers start to appear, you should quickly think about removing them. The more flowers you pick, the more the pansies will bloom. Freshly cut flowers will beautifully decorate a somewhat dark interior and bring light and color to the room.
What if we ate some?
Indeed, for a few years now, cooks have been enjoying decorating their dishes with lots of flowers and incorporating them as a real ingredient in the recipe. Floral recipes are a hit. Pansies are part of this lot and will be welcome on a salad. If it is a pastry, it will go wonderfully on a cake as an ornament (it can be crystallized like violets).
For a rather original idea for an aperitif, don’t hesitate to make original ice cubes: place a flower in each compartment of your ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Guaranteed effect!
