Pansy

Basic Information

Seed Number

126

Seed Name

Pansy

Variety

Super Beaconsfield

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Violaceae

Plant Type

Giant Swiss pansy (Viola × wittrockiana)

Planting Method

Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Feb 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Apr 30

Plantable Months

February, March, April

Indoor Start

Feb 10 – Feb 24

Direct Sow

Not Recommended

Transplant

Mar 25 – Apr 30

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

12 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not recorded

Germination Days

10–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

70–85 days to bloom

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

50-65°F

Planting Depth

1/8 in

Plant Spacing

8-10 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep soil consistently and evenly moist; container plants may require frequent watering

Soil Preference

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost

Minimum Container Size

1 gal

Plant Height

8-10 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or transplant; direct sow for fall
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 1 – May 15; Aug 15 – Sep 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–90 days to bloom
Pollinator Friendly: Some
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Edible flowers
Perennial?: Short-lived perennial/biennial; grown as annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Best in cool spring/fall weather.
Zone 6B Notes: Heat slows blooms.
Companion Plants: Lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs, spring bulbs, calendula
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Hot midsummer beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Super Beaconsfield is hardy in Zone 6B and performs best during cool spring and fall weather. It tolerates frost but declines during prolonged summer heat.
Germination: Start indoors 10-12 weeks before the May 5 last frost. Sow 1/8 inch deep at approximately 60-65°F and keep evenly moist.
Harvest: Flowers are edible and can also be used as small cut flowers. Deadheading extends the bloom period.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flowers to mature into seed pods. Collect pods as they dry and begin to split, then dry seed thoroughly before storage.
Special Care: Provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise. Super Beaconsfield is a Giant Swiss-type pansy with large blue-violet and white flowers.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/viola-super-beaconsfield-pansy — Super Beaconsfield variety identity, germination, maturity, sowing depth, spacing, height, frost tolerance, container culture and seed saving
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/the-story-of-pansies — Giant Swiss pansy classification, edible flowers and cool-weather preference
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]