Instructions:

1. Prepare Soil: Use a well-draining seed-starting mix. Pansies (Violas) prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.4-5.8). Loosen the soil and ensure it is free of rocks and debris.

2. Start Indoors: Start pansy (viola) seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. Use seed trays or small pots.

3. Plant Seeds: Sow pansy (viola) seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Water gently to moisten the soil.

4. Provide Cool Temperatures: Pansy (Viola) seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). Ensure the growing area remains cool.

5. Provide Darkness: Pansy (Viola) seeds require darkness to germinate. Cover the seed trays with newspaper or a light-blocking material until germination begins.

6. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil surface if necessary.

7. Provide Light: Once seedlings emerge, remove the covering and place seed trays in a bright location or under grow lights.

8. Transplant: Once seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden or larger pots. Space garden plants 6-8 inches apart.

9. Provide Sunlight: Pansies (Violas) thrive in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

10. Watering: Water pansy (viola) plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

11. Fertilize: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Follow package instructions for dosage.

12. Deadhead: Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.