Colossus

Garden pansy

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Rosette

Imagine velvety petals unfurling in a grand, colossus-sized bloom—rich, velour-like color with a crisp, luminous center that seem…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 1st
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Apr 20th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease issue for Viola × wittrockiana (pansy) and how do I treat it?

Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) commonly develop powdery mildew and leaf spots during cool, humid stretches. Remove badly spotted leaves, improve airflow around plants, and water at the soil line in the morning. If it keeps spreading, switch to a targeted fungicide labeled for pansies/ornamentals and follow the label schedule to prevent reinfection.

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

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy from transplanting through flowering—aim for damp, not wet, soil. In part-sun beds, water when the top 1 inch feels dry, typically about 2–3 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Avoid letting plants sit in standing water, which quickly leads to root issues and collapse.

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

Pansy “harvest” is usually for blooms: you’re ready when flowers are fully colored and open across most of the face with firm petals. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage continued flowering rather than waiting for seed set. If you’re harvesting for cut flowers, pick early in the day when the petals are crisp and before heat wilts them (around the ~70-day mark, depending on your sowing date).

Imagine velvety petals unfurling in a grand, colossus-sized bloom—rich, velour-like color with a crisp, luminous center that seems to glow from within. Colossus pansies bring a plush, slightly ruffled texture and a bold, face-forward patterning that makes every bed and container look richly dressed. Grow for standout seasonal color in cool weather, with flowers ideal for long-lasting garden display and striking mass plantings.

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 the biggest blooms, keep pansies cool (avoid hot spells) and transplant into rich, well-drained soil so they establish before summer heat arrives.