Common Name: Pansy

General Information

Viola x wittrockiana is a short-lived evergreen perennial plant, often grown as an annual. The main stem branches to form a mound of growth up to 20cm tall and wide[].
Widely grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued for its long-lasting display of flowers, the plant can also be used as a food.

Known Hazards

All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities[, , ].

Botanical References

,

Range

A hybrid species of garden origin, perhaps involving Viola tricolor × Viola lutea × Viola altaica?].

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds[, ]. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5[].
A hybrid species of garden origin, there are many named forms selected for their ornamental value[]. There is at least one cultivar selected for its edible qualities - 'Gourmet Brand Salad Mixture' is a large-flowered, early-blooming mixture, selected to provide a large number of flowers for salads over the longest harvest season[].
All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities[, , ].

Edible Uses

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[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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.