Viola
x wittrockiana
Black Pansy
This plant is the result
of a cross between two wild violets. It is used in love magick and rain
spells, and is said to attract love if carried. In British folklore, picking this magick
herb on a sunny day will make it storm, and picking one of these
blossoms with dew on it will cause the death of a loved one--pretty
powerful stuff for a plant that some associate with weakness. In the
language of flowers, it means "Think of me," probably from its name,
which is French for thought. Magickally it can be helpful in reflecting
upon a matter or for calming racing thoughts. I have seen some info
listing the pansy as a Saturn
herb; I am not sure why, although it does grow in partial shade and
enjoy coolness. Venus
works as an influence, or consider this a Pluto herb, because the
bloom is black (Pluto's color) and this plant family is associated with
rebirth, a Pluto quality. This would make an especially interesting flower essence. The
flowers are edible and slightly sweet; use them to decorate cream
cheese or cake frosting. Unlike other black flowers that are more like
a very dark maroon, black pansies and black violas really look black.
Try planting these pansies in the shape of a black heart, if you're
feeling particularly goth. The blooms are 2-1/2 in/6 cm in wide on
plants 8"/22 cm high. This flower is also known as Ladies
Delight, Stepmother's Flower, cuckoo's heel,
and Wittrock's Violet. (Other
black flowers). Top
How
to grow Pansies. Cool the
seed at 35-40F/2-4C for 24 hours before planting. Barely cover with
soil, then put a newspaper over the flat and use bottom heat (a
water-proof heating pad set on medium and put under the flat works
well) to keep soil at 70-75F/21-24C. 60-70% of the seeds will germinate
in 10 days. Uncover as soon as they germinate. Transplant to full sun
and rich soil that is not too acidic (keep away from pine needles).
Seedlings will grow better at cool temps - 45-50F/7-10C. This plant is
hardy to zone 5 - not too far north - but it does not like hot summers
much either. Deadhead (pick off fading blooms) to get more flowers or
let them go to seed for more flowers next year. Mulch with hay in
winter or just let them regenerate through re-seeding. This plant is a
biennial, so start early to get flowers the same year - 8-10 weeks
before putting them outside - or plant them in late summer for bloom in
the spring. You can also grow it in pots.
General growing
info
Top
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Viola
x wittrockiana
Black Devil Black Pansy Out of Stock
We are no longer able to source these seeds but are actively looking for a new supplier.
Black Flowers Collection
Uses
in Witchcraft & Magic
Love Magic
Rain Magic
Pluto Herb
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