Pansy - Viola x wittrockiana Pansy - Viola x wittrockiana
Foto: botanika.wendys.cz

Herb: Pansy


Latin name: Viola x wittrockiana


Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)



Edible parts of Pansy:

Young leaves and flower buds - raw, cooked or used as a garnish. A stronger flavour than most other members of this genus. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. Some caution is advised if the plant has yellow flowers since these can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities. A tea can be made from the leaves.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
June to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Not known in the wild.

Propagation of Pansy:

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. This species is a hybrid, so might not breed true from seed. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Not known in the wild.

Medicinal use of Pansy:

None known

Known hazards of Viola x wittrockiana:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.