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How to Grow Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance

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Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance

Viola × wittrockiana 'Floral Dance'

flower

Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance is a large-flowered pansy variety known for its vibrant, multi-colored blooms with distinctive face-like markings. This cool-season annual or short-lived perennial produces abundant 2-3 inch flowers in mixed colors including purple, white, yellow, and blue. It thrives in cooler temperatures and provides reliable color for spring and fall gardens.

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Example Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance blooms

    Around Jun 6

    ≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Swiss Giant Pansy Floral Dance dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases on foliage; reduce watering in winter dormancy
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Spacing: 8 inches
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Days to maturity: 50-70 days to first bloom from transplant
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Planting depth: Seed sown on soil surface or just barely covered; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
compost peat moss perlite aged bark

Growing Zones

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Zones 3-9; thrives best in cooler climates and as a cool-season annual in warmer regions

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging, delicate and light green

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; provide bright indirect light; keep temperature around 65-70°F; thin seedlings to prevent damping off

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Develops multiple sets of true leaves and establishes root system; plant becomes bushier with darker green foliage

Provide 12-14 hours of bright light daily; maintain 60-70°F temperature; pinch growing tips to encourage branching; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer

3

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at branch tips; buds gradually enlarge and show color variations

Continue consistent watering and fertilization; ensure 6+ hours of sunlight; maintain cool temperatures for best flower color; provide support if needed

4

Flowering

6-12 weeks depending on temperature

Large 2-3 inch pansy flowers open with distinctive multicolored patterns and face-like markings; continuous blooming

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming; maintain soil moisture; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowers over foliage; protect from extreme heat

5

Decline/Rest

Variable; plant-dependent

Flowering diminishes as temperatures warm; plant may slow or stop blooming in hot weather or after hard frost

In mild climates, reduce watering; cut back severely if overgrown; may rejuvenate in fall cool season; treat as annual in hot zones or allow to set seed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

English Ivy Snapdragons Ornamental Cabbage Cyclamen Heuchera Violas Alyssum Dusty Miller

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Black Walnut trees Tomato plants Brassicas in poor drainage conditions

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; wash off with strong water spray

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; ensure proper air circulation

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape barriers; apply slug bait or diatomaceous earth; remove mulch close to plants

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; remove infected leaves promptly

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Pansy flowers are edible and add vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to salads, desserts, and garnishes. They are commonly candied, used as cake decorations, or floated in beverages for an elegant presentation. [source]

🏠

Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Swiss Giant Pansies are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, windowsill bouquets, and decorative displays due to their large, showy blooms and variety of colors. Their sturdy stems and long vase life make them ideal for home décor. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Pansy has been used in traditional herbal medicine for skin conditions and respiratory support, though scientific evidence is limited. It contains salicylic acid and may have anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Pansies attract bees and other beneficial insects to gardens, providing early-season nectar and pollen when few other flowers are available. They support pollinators during spring and fall transitions. [source]

🎨

Pressing and Preservation

Craft

Pansy flowers press beautifully and retain their vibrant colors well, making them ideal for flower pressing projects, bookmarks, and craft applications. Pressed pansies are popular for scrapbooking and decorative paper crafts. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pansies are ornamental flowers, not harvested for food. For cut flowers: pick in early morning when petals are turgid; cut stems just above a leaf node; change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems; flowers last 5-7 days in a vase. Deadhead spent blooms regularly at the base of the flower stem to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The 'face' on pansy flowers is called the 'face' or 'mask' and consists of darker lines and patches that guide pollinators to the center of the flower—these patterns are sometimes called 'nectar guides.'
  • 🌱 Swiss Giant Pansies can bloom in surprisingly cold weather, often producing flowers when temperatures drop to the 40s°F, making them excellent choices for early spring and late fall gardens.
  • 🌱 Pansies are closely related to violets and are classified in the Viola genus; they were originally developed in Switzerland in the 19th century by crossing wild pansy species (Viola tricolor) with other Viola species to create larger flowers.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves
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