SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Sow indoors in late winter. Cover with vermiculite and keep at 65-70°F. After complete germination, grow cooler 50-55°F
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in late summer to early fall only in warm winter zones 8+.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In spring, when light frost is still possible, 3 weeks before the last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
A small delight, violas and pansies bloom during the first balmy days of spring, just when gardeners are getting down to planting. They look great in containers, planted about the vegetable garden for their edible petals, or at the garden's edge, where many self-sow for a yearly spring treat. They dislike hot summer weather—during this time trim back and they will rebloom in fall. Deadhead for a long bloom time.
Watering Details:
Keep fairly moist with about 1" of water per week, more during especially dry spells. Do not allow to dry out, but do not allow to remain soggy.
Fertilizer:
Mix in a couple of inches of compost prior to planting. Feed once per month with an organic, water-soluble seaweed or kelp fertilizer, or mix in a granular type after planting.
Diseases & Pests:
Leaf spots and slugs are possible problems. Treat foliage with an organic fungicide and scatter pelletized iron phosphate at the base of the plants to combat slugs.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when flowers are nearly open.
