Pansies and Violas are undoubtedly one of the most delightful of all flowers to grow. With their delicately marked, almost hand-painted-looking dainty flowers they are a picture for months on end. You can find them in just about every colour of the rainbow with many featuring multicoloured blooms. Pansies have larger flowers and leaves than Violas.
3 steps to planting pansy & viola
prepare
Pansies and Violas are happy in sun and shade; they require a moist, free-draining, fertile soil. Pansies & Violas are hardy. Seeds can be sown in autumn to ensure pants are sizeable once winter arrives. Plant in situ, or in trays, as they readily transplant. Garden Centres will have benches of seedlings, potted colour and instant pots of Pansies & Violas through winter months, so no need to panic if you missed sowing your seeds.
Pansies & Violas are perfect pot and basket plants. Be aware that in damp areas Pansies are susceptible to mildew.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Pansies and Violas with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Pansies and Violas are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Be adventurous and plant in large blocks of colour, using either all one colour or mix it up with blends.
Deadhead to keep plants clean.