There are more than 500 different species in the genus Viola, including annuals, perennials and even some subshrubs.
Collectively, they are known as violas, although individual distinct types are generally referred to as pansies or violets. The group includes inbred species and many hundreds of hybrids and cultivars in all shades of the rainbow.
Fast-growing varieties, grown as garden, they are mostly small-flowered annuals or short-lived perennials. Many self-seed and will give you years of joy. For being edible, make unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients. They can also be candied for a frosted effect, or used to decorate cakes or other sweet treats.
care
When buying a pansy seedling, look for the healthiest one with lots of buds. In your garden, make each branch about 15.2 to 20.3 cm away. These plants will bloom constantly, but the blooms will be more plentiful if you cut away the worn parts. But expect them to go dormant or die during the hottest summer months.
Outdoors, the huddled plants form a beautiful outline along a path or to define a garden border. Pair them with other cool-weather lovers like snapdragon, daisy, and cranberry. Or place them between spring species like tulips and daffodils to fill in space while the bulbs fade.
Their size and long flowering period make them perfect for containers. Climbing varieties are excellent in hanging baskets and hanging over the edge of containers and window boxes.
Light
Pansies like full sun, but not the heat it brings. This is not a problem in cool temperatures, but when planting in the summer, make sure they get some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Ground
Your varieties should be grown in moist soilas peat-based substrate, or heavily amended garden soil with organic material. They also like slightly acidic soil, peat moss as an additive will help slightly acidify the garden. (See all about soil types here!)
Water
Water regularly, but allow surface to dry between waterings. They can tolerate some drought, but will do better with this regular activity.
temperature and humidity
Species love the early spring cool weather and thrive in milder temperatures. Mulching and water will help offset the stress of high temperatures.
With proper care, they can thrive all summer and most will bloom again in the fall. Or, in warm climates, they can be removed and replaced with another flower, then replanted when cooler weather returns in the fall.
Fertilizer
Mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil. Fertilize in spring and again in late summer to promote fall flowering. (click here for a step-by-step guide to fertilizing your plants)
pruning
To promote and prolong the development period, remove the faded parts by plucking the flowers at the base of the flower stem. You can revive long-legged or overgrown plants by cutting them back to about three to four inches tall.
See too
How to grow from seeds
Violas are easy to plant from seed. They are quite happy to self-seed throughout your garden, but in cold climates, volunteers may not flower until late in the season.
If you’d like to start the process indoors, follow these very simple steps. Have the seed about 8 to 12 weeks before transplanting. Mature violas can withstand occasional freezing temperatures, but new transplants can be damaged if exposed to freezing. Warm-weather gardeners transplanting in the fall should begin the process in mid-summer.
- Fill small pots with sterile substrate to about 0.6 cm below the top edge. Sprinkle two to three seeds in each cell or pot and cover lightly with the moistest substrate.
- Attention: Violas need darkness to germinate, so cover the seeds completely. Place the jars in a warm place (18 to 21ºC) and keep moist. On top of the fridge is a good spot.
- Seeds should start to germinate in 10 to 14 days. Once they sprout, move them to a sunny window or place them under plant lamps.
- When the first leaves appear, prioritize the strongest seed, pinching or cutting the others at the soil line. At this stage, a temperature of 12 to 15ºC is good. You can also start feeding your seedlings with any good, water-soluble, balanced fertilizer.
- When temperatures and climate permit transplanting outdoors, begin to “harden” the seedlings by making longer and longer visits outdoors over a period of 10 to 14 days. Start with one to two hours of sunlight and gradually increase exposure. Make sure the soil stays moist during this time.
- Once the seedlings have become accustomed to full days outdoors, you can plant them permanently in the garden or in their outdoor pots.
You can also grow seeded seeds directly in the garden, although this works best in regions where there is a long growing season. Carefully prepare the planting area, amending it with organic matter, then loosen the soil and sprinkle the seeds.
Cover with about 1/2 inch of soil and water well. Keep the seedbed moist. As the branches develop, separate them about 15 to 20 cm apart, transplanting the excess ones to other locations.
Common pests and diseases
To avoid gray mold, don’t leave your branches in cool, damp conditions. Make sure your violas get plenty of sun and have good air circulation. If you notice aphids, wash them off with a strong stream of water or, for severe problems, treat them with insecticidal soap.
how to make bloom
Violas flower easily most of the spring and summer, except for the warmest weeks. To maintain its development: remove the flowers; lightly fertilize once a month during the growing season; and cut your plants back in late summer to prepare for fall blooms.
common problems
While they are generally some of the easiest species to grow in your garden, you will occasionally run into minor problems that can be corrected without too much trouble.
Brown spots on the leaves
Pansies can succumb to various fungal diseases such as leaf spot or anthracnose. Everything can be remedied by removing the affected leaves with clean garden shears and treating with a fungicide.
Fallen leaves or flowers
This can happen for several reasons: too much or too little water, or overcrowding. This issue is easily remedied when you troubleshoot the font. If it’s a problem with watering, stick your finger in the soil to see if it’s too dry or too wet and adjust accordingly. If they seem to need more room to breathe, give them space between the branches.
types of violas
viola x wittrockiana
This hybrid is a short-lived perennial or biennial with larger flowers, but are usually grown as annuals in cooler climates. The seedlings grow to about 8 inches tall and bear 2 to 3 inches flowers that can be single-colored or patterned. This is the most popular, with dozens of different cultivars available. Works well in vases and baskets.
Viola tricolor
The little plant is one of the genetic parents of pansies. Some hybrid pansies will revert to tricolor as the fallen seeds sprout as volunteer seedlings.
viola sororia
Widely known as the wild blue violet, it is native to wooded areas and often finds its way into cultivated gardens and lawns where it is generally considered a weed – unless deliberately encouraged in native woodland gardens.
coruta viola
Known as the horned violet, it has smaller 3.8 cm two-tone flowers.
*Via The Spruce