How to Grow Velvet Night
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Velvet Night
Viola × wittrockiana 'Velvet Night'
flowerVelvet Night is a striking pansy cultivar prized for its deep purple-black flowers that appear almost midnight blue in certain light. The velvety texture of the petals gives it a luxurious appearance, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, containers, and landscape designs. This cold-hardy annual or winter annual blooms prolifically from fall through spring in cool climates.
When should you plant Velvet Night in your zone?
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Example Velvet Night timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Velvet Night
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Velvet Night blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Velvet Night dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; performs best in cooler regions (zones 4-8) with fall-to-spring blooming
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Get my Velvet Night timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, followed by slightly lobed true leaves
Maintain 65-70°F soil temperature; provide bright indirect light; keep soil moist; thin seedlings to prevent damping off
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and increasingly lobed, heart-shaped leaves
Harden off seedlings before transplanting; space adequately for air circulation; fertilize weekly with dilute liquid fertilizer; pinch early buds to encourage bushiness
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at leaf axils; buds are tightly closed and may appear purple-black even before opening
Ensure consistent moisture and nutrients; reduce nitrogen slightly to favor flowering over foliage; maintain cool temperatures (50-65°F) for best color
Flowering
8-12 weeks or more with deadheadingLarge velvety flowers open fully, displaying deep purple-black petals with characteristic pansy face markings and yellow or white center patch
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming; maintain cool temperatures; water consistently; reduce fertilizer frequency but continue every 2-3 weeks
Decline/Rest
Variable, depends on climateFlowering slows dramatically in heat (above 75°F); plant may go dormant or decline in summer heat in warm climates
In cool climates, provide afternoon shade and extra water to extend blooming; in warm regions, allow plant to decline naturally; collect seeds if desired before plant dies back
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap; use strong water spray; encourage ladybugs; apply neem oil if needed
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use insecticidal soap or miticide; ensure good air circulation
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use beer traps; apply copper tape around containers; use organic slug pellets sparingly
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Hand-pick visible larvae; spray with insecticidal soap; maintain plant health
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove affected leaves
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Reduce humidity; improve drainage; apply copper fungicide; remove severely infected plants; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryPansy flowers including Velvet Night are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are used as delicate garnishes on cakes, salads, and desserts for visual impact. They add elegance to plated dishes and contain no toxins when grown without pesticides. [source]
Floral arrangements and pressed flowers
CraftThe striking deep purple-black color and velvety texture make Velvet Night excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements, bouquets, and pressed flower crafts. The flowers press beautifully and retain their color well for use in cards, frames, and botanical art. [source]
Garden ornament and landscape design
HouseholdVelvet Night is primarily grown as an ornamental flower for winter and spring gardens, containers, window boxes, and borders. Its dramatic dark color provides excellent contrast in mixed plantings and creates sophisticated color schemes in garden design. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalPansies have a long history in traditional medicine, where they were used in herbal preparations for skin conditions and respiratory health. However, modern scientific evidence for medicinal benefits is limited, and Velvet Night should not be used medicinally without professional guidance. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifePansies provide nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators including bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available in fall and spring. Growing Velvet Night contributes to habitat for these beneficial insects during transitional seasons. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Velvet Night pansies are ornamental flowers meant for display rather than harvest. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly by pinching just below the flower base to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut stems for floral arrangements when flowers first fully open; place immediately in cool water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Velvet Night' perfectly describes the texture and color of the flowers—the petals feel velvety soft and the deep purple-black hue resembles the night sky, making them highly sought by gardeners seeking dramatic garden color
- 🌱 Pansies were developed in the 19th century through crosses of wild Viola species; Velvet Night is a modern cultivar representing over 200 years of selective breeding for larger flowers and deeper colors
- 🌱 Pansies are cold-hardy because they naturally bloom in cool seasons and have antifreeze-like compounds in their cells, allowing them to survive hard freezes that would kill tender annuals
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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