Nature Mulberry Shades

Garden Pansy

Zone 10b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Nature Mulberry Shades

🌱 70d to harvest Rosette

Velvet petals unfurl in a painterly swirl of mulberry, plum, and soft lilac tones, with a luminous center that seems to glow from…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Oct 23rd
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Dec 18th
Harvest Begins	Feb 26th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Thymus Minus Thyme

Silver-Edged Lemon Thyme Thyme

Lemon Thyme

Orange Thyme Thyme

Silver Queen Thyme Thyme

Creeping Thyme

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Viola × wittrockiana (pansy) in home gardens, and how can I manage it?

Watch for gray mold (Botrytis) and powdery mildew, which show up as gray fuzzy patches or white powdery growth when pansies stay damp. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering only at the base, then remove and discard any infected leaves or blooms to reduce spread.

How often should I water Viola × wittrockiana during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—water when the top 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) starts to dry. During active growth and bud formation, this usually means watering 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot, drying weather.

How do I tell when Viola × wittrockiana is ready to harvest (70 days to maturity)?

Pansies are harvest-ready for cut flowers when individual blooms are fully colored and the petals are open and firm, not fading or collapsing. If you’re using the 70-day timeline, start checking from about day 70 and harvest on morning when flowers are at peak turgor; deadhead promptly afterward to keep new buds coming.

Velvet petals unfurl in a painterly swirl of mulberry, plum, and soft lilac tones, with a luminous center that seems to glow from within. Nature Mulberry Shades forms compact, tidy clumps of richly textured blooms that hold their color through cool-season weather, making every bed edge feel like a living bouquet. Ideal for edging and massing in garden borders, it shines as a bright, reliable ornamental when you want instant curbside charm from early season through the bloom peak.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For pansies, prioritize cool temperatures—aim to transplant so they establish before the hottest weather, and keep soil evenly moist.