How to Sow Giant Red Pansy Seeds
Giant red pansies are edible and can be used in baking, making teas, and crystalizing with sugar as a sweet treat. These vibrant deep red blooms with a yellow center and darker blotch are known for their big petal flowers. Whether you choose to grow them indoors, in pots and containers, or outdoors in a garden bed, pot, or basket, red pansies are a beautiful addition to any home or garden. They are easy to grow as they are open-pollinated, hardy, and can flower in the same year if planted early. They can also be planted for winter flowering in a sheltered area.
Growing Red Pansies from Seeds
Indoor Growing:
- Choose a sunny area for indoor cultivation that receives sufficient sunlight and warmth.
- Plant the seeds in pots or containers filled with fine soil, ensuring a depth of 1/16″ (0.16 cm).
- Maintain a spacing of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) between each seed.
- During the germination period, provide darkness and maintain a temperature of around 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) to promote optimal germination rates.
- Keep the soil moderately moist during germination by misting or light watering.
- Cover the sowing pots with a bag or polythene wrap to retain moisture during germination.
Outdoor Growing:
- Wait for the last frost to pass before planting the seeds outdoors.
- Prepare the garden bed or desired outdoor area by covering the seeds with fine soil at a depth of 1/16″ (0.16 cm).
- Ensure a spacing of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) between each seed.
- Provide sufficient sunlight and warmth to the area where the seeds are planted.
General Care:
Regularly water the plants to keep the soil moist, but not overly saturated. Ensure the pansy plants receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Remove any weeds that may compete with the pansy plants for nutrients and space. Once the plant is blooming, you can harvest the whole plant. Use the petals as decoration or as a garnish in your culinary creations.
