Pansy 'Swiss Giant Ullswater' Seeds

Viola x wittrockiana 'Ullswater' is a Hardy Perennial usually grown as a Hardy Biennial (H5). It is exceptionally tough and can withstand the standard British winter frost and snow, often bouncing back with fresh flowers as soon as the temperature rises slightly.

The Two Seasons: For a display of winter and early spring colour, sow in summer (June–August). For a summer-long display, sow in early spring (February–April). This versatility makes it one of the most hardworking plants for a UK cottage garden.

Swiss Giant Heritage: This variety belongs to a group bred for extra-large flower heads. Unlike smaller violas, these blooms are substantial and dramatic, though they benefit from regular deadheading to keep the plant compact and productive.

Pansy seeds require specific conditions to germinate: they need to be kept cool and kept in the dark.

How to Sow:
Sow on the surface of moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover the seeds completely with soil or vermiculite, as light prevents germination. Keep the tray in a cool spot (15-18°C); if the environment is too warm, the seeds will remain dormant. Germination typically takes 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They thrive in full sun or partial shade. They prefer moisture-retentive, fertile soil. In the height of a UK summer, they appreciate a bit of shade to keep their indigo colours from fading and to prevent the plant from becoming "leggy."

Ongoing Care:
Pansies are "hungry" plants. If growing in containers or window boxes, feed them every few weeks with a liquid fertiliser. Most importantly, deadhead spent flowers regularly—this stops the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps the flowers coming for months.

The deep indigo of 'Ullswater' looks spectacular when paired with bright or airy companions from our spring seed range:

• 🟡 Wallflower 'Cloth of Gold': The Classic Contrast. Yellow and blue are complementary colours. Planting these blue pansies at the base of golden Wallflowers creates a vibrant, high-impact spring display.
• ❄️ Forget-me-not 'White': The Frosty Look. The delicate white clouds of Forget-me-nots soften the solid, dark blue heads of 'Ullswater', creating a sophisticated, cool-toned border.

Sow in summer for winter/spring colour, or spring for a summer display.