Bing Select

Family: Violaceae Flower

A velvety, face-forward bloom that seems to glow from within—Bing Select pansies open with rich, velour-like petals and bold, painterly markings that catch the eye in cool weather.

Each flower carries a plush, slightly ruffled texture and a striking center “mask,” making it irresistible for beds, borders, and containers where color can be enjoyed at a glance. Grow Bing Select for a long season of dependable, cold-tolerant beauty—ideal for refreshing spring and fall displays with unmistakable Viola charm.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 11th
Harvest Begins	Jun 20th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These cool-weather Viola petals eat like a soft, plush garnish—aromatic but not loud, with just enough sweetness to feel intentional. Keep them off the heat and dress around them so the velour texture stays intact and the painterly center reads on the plate.

Best Uses

use as a face-forward garnish on cold plates (tarts, composed salads)
chop finely for a quick fold into compound butter or soft cheese
scatter on top of soup after serving for visual pop and minimal heat wilt
macerate briefly with sugar and a squeeze of lemon for a spoonable topping

Flavor Profile

subtle, grassy-leaning floral flavor gentle sweetness on the finish velvety petal texture with a light snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey goat cheese vanilla crème anglaise prosciutto butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases most commonly affect Viola × wittrockiana (pansy), and how do I treat them?

In pansies, watch for aphids and slugs/snails; aphids cluster on new growth, and slugs leave ragged holes. Rinse aphids off with a strong water spray or spot-treat with insecticidal soap, and hand-remove slugs at dusk or use a targeted slug bait around the plants. Also prevent powdery mildew by keeping foliage dry—water the soil at the base and improve airflow, then remove badly affected leaves promptly.

How often should I water Viola × wittrockiana during the main growing phase?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist while plants are establishing and forming flowers, typically about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and container size. Water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to feel dry, and avoid waterlogging because pansies in soggy soil are more prone to root and crown problems. In part sun, morning watering helps the foliage dry quickly and reduces mildew risk.

How can I tell when Viola × wittrockiana is ready to harvest?

For pansies grown for blooms, start harvesting when individual flowers are fully opened and show their standard coloration clearly—this is usually around 70 days from sowing. Pick flowers in the cool part of the day and remove them at the base of the stem to encourage continued branching and more flowering.