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.