The flowers of pansies are hybrid plants derived from Viola tricolor . Scientifically known as Viola x wittrockiana, they were naturally interbred in Northern Europe. Today, there are a large number of types of this plant, with varieties of size and color. In addition, in the world of gardening, it is highly valued for its precious flowers.
Pansy flowers are ideal for planting at the foot of shrubs because they are able to prevent the growth of weeds. Taking these aspects into account, you will probably decide to plant it. Find out how to care for pansy flowers, their main characteristics, pests, and diseases in this oneHOWTO article.
Characteristics of viola flowers
To know how to care for pansy flowers, you must know the characteristics that distinguish them from other plants:
- It is a perennial plant if it receives optimal care.
- It is a biannual flower, that is, in the first year it produces the leaves and in the second it blooms.
- Its flowers are edible.
- Pansy flowers bloom predominantly in the fall. In very hot climates, flowering lasts until spring.
- The plant acts effectively as a natural cover.
- These flowers began to be domesticated two centuries ago, that is, between the years 1820 and 1830.
viola flower care
Pansy flowers require a series of essential care to grow, produce leaves, and flourish. To stay in good health, it is essential that you cover all their vital needs. They are as follows:
Light, weather, and location
Doubts about whether the pansy flowers are sun or shade? When crossing in northern Europe, they are able to withstand a considerable oscillation of temperatures, from the warmest to quite low, although not excessively intense. It needs to be located in bright areas to receive a large number of solar rays, so it is a sun plant.
However, in very hot climates, it is advisable to place it in semi-shady areas to be protected from the most intense hours of sun. Pansy flowers are placed outside for their ability to resist cold and prevent the growth of weeds, thus being highly recommended to cover different spaces in your garden.
In this other article, you will find a series of Tips for planting plants in a garden.
Watering the viola flowers
One of the great needs of the plant is to keep the soil relatively moist. Avoid in any case that it gets flooded, because a disproportionate watering will cause an excess of water in the roots, making it weak or get sick.
During the flowering of the plant, it needs frequent watering two to three times a week. Everything will depend on the soil and the climate in which it is located to determine the exact frequency of irrigation.
Substrate and compost for viola flowers
Pansy flowers need soil rich in nutrients . When you plant them in autumn, you should use organic compost for the soil: this way, they will keep for three months. Afterward, you will have to apply more doses of organic fertilizer.
A recommended organic fertilizer for this plant is worm castings. Its contribution of nutrients and its composition provides great benefits to the pansy flowers and to the soil itself.
Pruning the viola flowers
The plant usually loses the vitality transmitted by its flowers when the warmest season of the year arrives, coinciding with the months after flowering. If he does not receive the corresponding care, he ends up dying at this time.
If you want to prevent the flower from dying and preserve the pansies in summer, you need to do an aggressive pruning of the plant. You should only leave the stem when temperatures rise.
Pests and diseases of viola flowers
To finish knowing how to care for pansy flowers, it is important that you know the pests and diseases that affect the plant the most:
The Aphids are one of the main threats. The attack of these insects is frequent and puts the health of the thought flower at serious risk. To combat it, use natural and homemade insecticides, such as onion or garlic infusions, chamomile, and wormwood. You can also go for Neem oil or potassium soap.
As for the fungi that habitually damage pansy flowers, powdery mildew is one of the most dangerous. They appear forming white or gray spots on the stems and leaves. This fungus can be fought with home remedies for powdery mildew, such as chamomile or garlic.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to care for pansy flowers, we recommend that you enter our Gardening and plants category.
