Plug Connection
Pansy
These are some of our favorite colors from several pansy strains on the market today. Some are smaller viola types while others are full sized. Frizzle Sizzle, Imperial Antique Shades and Atlas Black have been successfully documented as cut flowers by many growers across the US. Cool Wave, Wonderfall, Freefall, Delta, Matrix and Inspire Plus have been bred for hanging baskets and bedding plants but should grow just as well for cut use when spaced close together and forced to stretch upwards. Follow our Pansy/Viola grow guide for details.
Frizzle Sizzle
We are currently offering four selections from the Frizzle Sizzle series which boast unique color combinations rarely seen in other pansy mixes. These are also the only ruffled pansies that will be available through Plug Connection in 2024/2025. Raspberry (raspberry-pink and white), Yellow-Blue Swirl (varying shades of yellow with vibrant blue picotee), Passionfruit (warm yellow transitioning to deep pink edges) and Lemonberry (soft yellow with berry-purple edges). Flowers are 2 inches across and display more ruffles in cooler temperatures.
Imperial Antique Shades
Medium to large-sized blooms in shades of cream, peach, white, gold, burgundy and rose. Mildly fragrant, smooth-petaled blooms on healthy and vigorous plants.
Atlas Black
True black flowers are challenging to find in the flower world and these Atlas Black pansies do not disappoint. Velvety black flowers pair well with other colors and make for a dramatic statement in bouquets and arrangements.
Cool Wave
This pansy was bred as a fast growing trailing pansy - if spaced close together, branches will grow upwards instead of horizontally, proving stems suitable for cutting. Flowers are small to medium in size. The fast growth rate means you will have stems for cutting earlier in the season.
Freefall
This is a small flowering, spreading pansy. Similar growth habit to Cool Wave and Wonderfall.
Delta, Matrix, Inspire Plus
These are classic extra-large flowered bedding varieties, but in our favorite shades for cut flower use. Follow our pansy/viola grow guide and be sure to space closely together when planting to achieve longer stems for cutting.
**We do not guarantee any specific shades will appear in Mix or "Shades" products, as the Mix is created by the seed breeder. It is possible that Mix will be all one color, or significantly different from pictured colors. If you need specific colors, please order straight colors as opposed to Mix trays.**
Grown in a 288 cell tray, billed as 285
Order Minimums & Tray Sizes
The minimum Plug Connection order is four total trays (each tray can be a different variety)
A full shipping box contains FOUR 128 cell trays or a combination of 128 and 288 cell trays.
*If you are only ordering 288 cell trays, then FIVE trays will fill a box.
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Viola, Pansy |
| Genus | Viola |
| Species | V. x Wittrockiana |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy annual, short-lived perennial in warmer zones |
| Format | Plugs |
| Plug Care | Either harden off and plant out plugs soon after receiving them, or bump them up into larger cell trays to avoid plugs becoming rootbound. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Optimal temperature range for active growth is 45-65F. Pansies and violas can tolerate temperatures down to 25F but should be protected if the temperature goes that low, or lower, for extended periods of time. Pansies and violas do not tolerate intense heat and production will slow down or stop as temperatures approach or exceed 75F. |
| Spacing | To promote long stems, most growers pack their plugs in quite close together with 3-5" spacing being common. |
| Soil Preference | Loose, rich, slightly acidic soil is best, but pansies and violas are not very fussy. Fertilize with a well balanced calcium nitrate based fertilizer for best results. |
| Day Length | Typically facultative long-day but variable, dependent on cultivar. Pansies and violas will bloom under short days however long days promote more flowers and plants grown under long days will typically bloom sooner. Plant in full sun for the happiest plants - some growers recommend partial shade to aid with stem length (shade makes stems stretch, however the stems may be flimsy or weak). |
| Pinching | Not necessary. |
| When to Plant | Pansies and Violas are cold hardy and can be planted in the fall under a tunnel in many zones. Overwintered plants will be larger and more robust come spring when the growth will explode with the warming temperatures. If planting without cover in zone 6 or colder, plant in early spring about a month before the last frost date. They can handle frost and dips into freezing temperatures while young. |
| Harvesting | The first month or more of the flowering period will likely be on short plants with small stems, not worth cutting. Do not worry, the plants just need time to put on size and stem length. It's a good idea to deadhead if you have the time. It's labor intensive but the plants will be more productive if not wasting energy on seed production. Start harvesting stems when they are approximately 8-10 inches in lenth - some growers report 12-14 inch stems late spring and into summer. You are cutting a branch from the plant that contains flowers and buds, not individual flower stems which rarely exceed an inch. Cut deep, close to the ground for the longest possible stem. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water. Pansies and violas have up to a two week lifespan even without the use of a floral preservative. You can safely store them in a cooler until needed, and hydration does not seem to be an issue. Buds will continue to slowly open over time in the vase. |
| Diseases / Insects | Pansies and Violas tend to be disease resistant. They can be susceptible to slugs and aphids, but not many insect pests are active in the cooler conditions that pansies and violas thrive in. |
| Bailey's Notes | Growing under cover may improve stem length as it does for most crops due to lack of wind and inclement weather exposure. It would also give northern and cold climate growers the chance to plant earlier in the season and have an extended bloom time. |
| Resources |