Many violas will come back every year thanks to self-seeding.
Furthermore, violas areedible flowersand make unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients.
They can also be candied for a frosted effect and used to decorate cakes or other confections.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Violas flower primarily in cooler weather.
How long violas bloom depends on the climate.
Combine them with other cool-weather lovers, such as snapdragons, calendula, andDianthus.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Look forhealthy plantswith lots of buds.
Mounding violas should be spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Trailing or spreading varieties are planted 10 to 12 inches apart.
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Plant violasin potsor in the ground.
Violas' size, compact habit, and long flowering period make them perfect for containers.
Trailing varieties are exquisite in hanging baskets and tumbling over the edge of containers and window boxes.
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The timing for planting violas also depends on climate.
Light
Violas prefer sun over shade, but they don’t like heat.
This isnt a problem in cool spring temperatures.
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When planting in the summer, ensure they get some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Violas like a slightlyacidic soil; peat moss as a soil additive will help slightly acidify garden soil.
Water
Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
The plants tolerate some drought but will bloom best with regular watering.
Mulch and water will help offset the stress of high temperatures.
With proper care, violas may bloom all summer and most will bloom again in the fall.
To revive leggy or overgrown plants, cut them back to about 3 to 4 inches.
Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cuttings.
When the cuttings have rooted, transplant them to larger pots or in the landscape.
How to Grow Violas From Seed
Violas are easy to start from seed.
If you would like tostart your own indoors, the process is very straightforward.
Start seed about 8 to 12 weeks before transplanting.
Mature violas withstand occasional freezing temperatures, but new transplants may be damaged if exposed to a freeze.
In a warm climate, gardeners transplanting in the fall should start their seeds in midsummer.
Direct sowingin the garden works best in regions with a long growing season.
Cover with about 1/4 inch of soil, and water well.
Thin seedlings to about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Overwintering
Violas survive the winter in warm climates.
And through the winter, violas may even continue blooming in these zones.
Then, just see to it your violas are getting enough sun and not sitting in soggy soil.
To avoid downy mildew, protect plants in the spring during cool, wet conditions.
Not using overhead irrigation helps reduce the risks of fungal leaf spots and rust.
Violas infected withaster yellowscannot be salvaged.
The bloom time varies depending on the species.V.
tricolor(Johnny-jump-up) varieties bloom about two weeks earlier thanV.
cornuta(horned violet);Penny and Sorbet will bloom nine to 10 weeks after sowing.
Violas bloom easily and for a fairly long time.
The bloom period starts in the spring, around April.
Brown Spots on the Leaves
Violas are prone to several fungal diseases, such asleaf spotor anthracnose.
Remove the affected leaves with clean garden shears.
If that does not resolve it, treat the plant with a fungicide.
This problem is easily remedied once you troubleshoot the source.
If your violas look like they need more breathing room, replant with more space in between the plants.
Yes, violas are viewed as one of the easiest flowers to care for.
The grow very fast.
Violas bloom 12 to 14 weeks after the seeds are planted.
Both the leaves and the flowers of violas are edible but only the flowers are used for consumption.
Yes, violas are considered non-toxic to pets.
Yes, violas will re-seed and multiply on their own.
Viola Diseases.Penn State Extension.
Discover Which Plants Are Toxic to Pets.ASPCA.
