Pansies 2023

[Dahlia]

Some of the pansy seeds that I saved in June of 2023 have been sitting in our fridge for about six months, so I figured I had better do something with them. About a week ago I placed a small square of damp paper towel over them, and placed them in little lidded plastic cups in a dark drawer. This morning I was shocked to see that all three varieties were germinating like crazy. Go figure. I have never had this kind of success with sprouting pansy seeds before. Maybe the dry seeds benefit from a really, really, long cold treatment.

That sounds like fun!

 

[Phaedra]

Generally, this winter is tricky here - cold but comparatively shorter. I checked different corners today and found this small settlement of pansies. They were part of what I grew last year from seeds and transplanted into this raised bed later.

I did mulch this bed well before winter arrived, and they seem to be happy about that. They also self-seeded well, so I can easily dig out young seedlings and bring them back for some care or relocate them.

 

[Phaedra]

Self-seeded pansies, I collected them on Feb 21 and repotted them into individual nursery pots.

They moved outdoors one week later and stayed there till today. Look at them, so pretty. I will feed them and transfer them to the larger display pots soon.

 

[Branching Out]

What beautiful combinations of colour Phaedra. Is that Frizzy Fruit Salad Mix that you're growing?? https://www.westcoastseeds.com/prod...sFGgl96_oDSJ2ldSotUXFg8veBr-9W8s1T54RIsPMqr4E

I'm noticing a few special pansies popping up in my garden this spring. I hope to mark some of the really exceptional ones for seed saving. Qualities that I'm looking for include large strong plants, lovely colour, and upward facing blossoms.

 

[Pulsegleaner]

Been a bit sparse here, so far. We've gotten some blue and black violas, but that's it. There doesn't seem to be much interesting stuff out yet.

 

[Branching Out]

Been a bit sparse here, so far. We've gotten some blue and black violas, but that's it. There doesn't seem to be much interesting stuff out yet.

What's your weather like this time of the year Pulsegleaner?? Is it beginning to look like spring?

 

[Pulsegleaner]

What's your weather like this time of the year Pulsegleaner?? Is it beginning to look like spring?

Not really. Winter weather is dragging on. We're STILL getting regular frost warnings, and it's a rare evening I don't need a sweatshirt (it's only recently I've been able to not need one during the day as well.)

 

[Branching Out]

Not really. Winter weather is dragging on. We're STILL getting regular frost warnings, and it's a rare evening I don't need a sweatshirt (it's only recently I've been able to not need one during the day as well.)

Well hang in there. Spring will be just around the corner. We are still having cool, windy conditions at times, but it's as though a switch has been flicked that has turned on the mechanisms for plant growth. The difference over the course of a couple of days is remarkable. I suppose those extra minutes of daylight and a couple extra degrees of warmth over night are just enough to nudge the plants along.