Pair of Lake of Thun Pansies on a white background.
Lake of Thun Pansies, Gray background
Lake of Thun Pansy topped cookies.
Lake of Thun Pansy with a cup of pansy and lemon drink on a light background.
Lake of Thun Pansies spilling out of bowl. Gray background
Pair of Lake of Thun Pansies on a white background.
Lake of Thun Pansies, Gray background
Lake of Thun Pansy topped cookies.
Lake of Thun Pansy with a cup of pansy and lemon drink on a light background.
Lake of Thun Pansies spilling out of bowl. Gray background

Viola Seeds,
Lake of Thun Pansy

44 ReviewsSKU: #FL550Min. seed count: 100
Price
Regular price $3.25
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.25
Save $-3.25
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

(Viola x wittrockiana). This great pansy, which is also known as Ullswater, is the loveliest of all deep blues, being named for the sparkling blue waters of the Alpine Lake Thun of Switzerland. This heirloom is perfect for bouquets and delicious in syrups and jellies! Plant a bed of pure blue beauty this year!

Growing Tips: Lake of Thun pansies flourish in cool weather and benefit from rich, moist, well-drained soil. Their soothing blue-violet tones evoke alpine landscapes and add elegance to garden beds, borders, and containers. Deadheading extends blooming, while mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Protect from heat and harsh sun to maintain vibrant color and flower longevity.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Viola x wittrockiana
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 6–9; grown as an annual elsewhere
Sun Requirement
Full sun/partial shade
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
70–85
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
50° to 65°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last expected frost or direct sow in late summer for fall planting in milder climates. Harden off seedlings before outdoor transplanting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • When starting indoors, sow seeds 10-12 weeks before last frost. You may place the tray outside in the cold or in your fridge to mimic winter, then pull out and place in a warm, sunny location. Alternatively, you can direct sow outdoors in place in fall or early spring.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F (after stratification).

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer full sun to shade; the hotter the location, the more shade is necessary.
  • Requires rich, well- drained, moist soil.
  • Deadhead to prolong blooming.
  • When summer finally kills off plants, pull them out and compost.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites can be a problem.
  • Keep these pests at bay with organic insecticidal soap.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow a few flowers to mature fully and develop seed pods
  • Wait until pods dry and begin to split, then collect
  • Remove seeds and let them air-dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark location in a labeled paper envelope
  • Use fresh seeds within one to two years for best viability

FAQ

Do Lake of Thun pansy seeds need a cold period before they will germinate?

No cold period is needed. When starting indoors, sow 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost at 1/8 inch deep, covering the seed so it sits in darkness, and hold the tray at 65 to 70 degrees F; seedlings emerge in about 10 to 14 days. You can also direct sow outdoors in place in fall or early spring.

What color are the blooms, and where does the name come from?

This pansy, also known as Ullswater, is the loveliest of all deep blues, named for the sparkling blue waters of the Alpine Lake Thun in Switzerland. Its soothing blue-violet tones evoke alpine landscapes. This heirloom is perfect for bouquets, and the flowers are delicious in syrups and jellies.

Where should I plant it, and how do I keep it blooming?

Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Pansies take full sun to partial shade — the hotter the location, the more shade is necessary — and they hold their color best in cool growing weather, around 50° to 65°F, so protect them from heat and harsh sun. Deadhead to prolong blooming, and mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like