Viola 'Tiger Eyes'
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PANSY
Family: Violaceae
Pronounced: VIE-o-la
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-10, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-9.
Mature size:
Height: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Width: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Flowering period:
Varies.
Flowering attributes:
Golden yellow petals with burgundy blotches and veins. Veins loop back at the edge of each petal.
Leaf attributes:
Evergreen, ovate, toothed leaves.
Growth habit:
Evergreen clumper, sometimes with spreading stems.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Light, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost and a complete organic fertilizer in spring.
Propagation methods:
In late winter/spring or late summer, sow seed and cover well; then germinate at temperatures of 65-70°F (19-24°C). Summer sowings should over-winter in cold frames.
Pruning:
Occasionally shear back plants to stimulate more flowers.
Pests and diseases:
Aphids, western flower thrips and red spider mite may be problems.
Rainy Side Notes
Often treated as annuals and biennials, these hardy, disease resistant violas are perennial. Although they are short-lived perennials, they flower year round and are especially welcome bright spots during winter in our maritime climate. Viola ‘Tiger Eyes’ wins hands down as my favorite pansy. I like the burgundy hued, almost black, loopy veining that rises out of the blotch, stretches to the end of the golden yellow petal, and then loops back, returning to the blotch.
I like to start the seed in early spring. The plant looks great, with some flowering the first year. It blossoms prolifically the second. Starting a new batch of seed the second year insures you have these plants to enjoy all year round.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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