The garden pansy ‘Cats® Orange’ F1 is a unique and vigorous hybrid variety, characterized by intensely deep orange petals adorned with contrasting black veins or “whiskers.” Growing only 15 cm tall, the plant forms a dense and compact clump, making it an ideal choice for balcony boxes, garden vases, and landscaping the front edge of flowerbeds.
As an F1 series hybrid, this variety stands out for its very uniform growth, disease resistance, and abundant flowering. The plant is exceptionally hardy in volatile weather conditions, tolerating temperatures as low as -5 °C without damage. This feature allows pre-grown seedlings to be moved outdoors as early as early spring, when many other summer flowers would still require warm indoor space.
Usage and Cultivation Instructions:
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Sowing time (pre-cultivation): Sow seeds in a seed tray in January or February to obtain plants for early spring flowering.
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Sowing time (direct sowing): If you wish for the plants to overwinter and begin flowering early next spring, sow seeds directly outdoors in July or August.
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Sowing depth: Cover seeds with a very thin layer of soil, maximum 0.2–0.5 cm thick.
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Location: The plant prefers a sunny or slightly semi-shaded location. In predominantly shaded areas, stems tend to stretch and flowering remains sparse. The soil should be fertile and moderately moist.
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Plant spacing: When planting in a permanent location, leave approximately 15–20 cm between plants.
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Flowering time: Depending on the sowing time, either the same spring/early summer or the following spring.
Tips and recommendations:
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Regularly remove old and withered flowers along with the stem. This prevents the plant from forming seed pods and directs energy into creating new flower buds, keeping the plant in bloom for a long time.
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For spring pot planting, use a specialized summer flower soil or add some long-term granular fertilizer to regular soil, as nutrients are depleted faster in containers than in open ground.