- Begin sowing pansy seeds indoors from late winter to early spring (February–April).
- Scatter the seeds thinly on the surface of damp seed compost and lightly cover.
- Keep trays in a propagator or cover with clear polythene, maintaining a steady temperature of around 17-20°C.
- Place the seeds somewhere dark until germination, which usually takes 10–20 days.
- When seedlings reach about 5cm tall, move them carefully into individual pots or modules.
- Harden plants off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for short periods.
- Once seedlings have 2–3 true leaf pairs, pinch out the growing tip to encourage bushier plants.
- Transplant into borders, baskets, or containers once frosts are no longer a risk (late spring to early summer).
- Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser to support healthy growth and prolonged flowering.
Pansy ‘Swiss Giant Ulsswater’ produces striking cobalt-blue blooms with black faces. Short-growing and compact, it looks exceptional when planted en masse in borders, containers, or window boxes.
