SOW PANSY AND VIOLA SEED

Fill a pot with peat-free seed compost, water, sow seed then lightly cover with soil. Label and germinate indoors at 15-18C. These tough plants tolerate cold temperatures, but overwinter in a cold frame or greenhouse to ensure success. Pansy and viola seed benefits from cold stratification, so try placing seed packets in the fridge for two weeks before sowing. Pansies have larger flowers with four upwardpointing petals and one downward, whereas viola have smaller flowers with two upward petals and three down. These short-lived perennials will put on a great floral display next spring.