Sweet Violet

SKU: FL3869
Cherished since ancient times for its sweet scent, this diminutive perennial spreads slowly by above-ground stolons, a bit like strawberry runners, but on a more compact scale. Read More

Exposure Full-sun to partial shade

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Sold Out Good for Containers Attracts Pollinators
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Sweet Violet

Product Details

Viola odorata. AKA Sweet Violet. Cherished since ancient times for its sweet scent, this diminutive perennial spreads slowly by above-ground stolons, a bit like strawberry runners, but on a more compact scale. Used extensively in making perfume for many centuries, Sweet Violet is intensely fragrant. Enjoy Sweet Violets in containers, borders, rock gardens, and edging. The small plants grow to only 10-15cm (4-6”) tall.

Perennial - often grown as an annual

Quick Facts:

    • Perennial
    • Sweetly scented flowers
    • Suitable for containers
    • Flowers are edible
    • Spreads slowly into clumps

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All About Sweet Violet

Latin

Latin
Viola tricolor, V. x wittrockiana, V. odorata, V. cornuta
Family: Violaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Timing can be tricky, depending on the variety. Johnny Jump-Ups are very easy.

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: 3-10

Timing

Timing
Start indoors 10-12 weeks before planting out. For spring planting after last frost, that means up to 3 months growing time indoors. Otherwise, sow direct outdoors in summer to early autumn. For winter-flowering pansies in Zones 7-9, start seeds in mid to late June. For V. odorata: Direct sow in autumn or early spring. This variety benefits from a long exposure to cool soil.

Starting

Starting
Even though the seeds are tiny, they need to be sown 5mm (¼”) deep. Keep the soil at 18-25°C (65-75°F), in complete darkness until they germinate in around 14 days. Then provide bright light to keep plants compact. Space at 15-23cm (6-9″) in the garden. For V. odorata: Barely cover the tiny seeds. Sow in flats sunk into the ground against a north-facing wall, and cover with glass or plastic. Remove cover when seedlings emerge. Germination can take up to 50 days, so be patient.

Growing

Growing
After germination, violas are easy. Fertilize once or twice in early growth and provide a mulch around plants to keep roots cool as weather warms. Deadhead to prevent self-sowing, particularly with Johnny-Jump-Ups.
For V. odorata: Transplant after last frost or in the autumn where winters are mild, spacing at 15-30cm (6-12”) apart. Grow in partial shade, or in full sun where summers are cool. This variety prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Add well-rotted manure at transplant time.

How to Grow Pansies & Violas

Step 1

Timing

Start indoors 10-12 weeks before planting out. For spring planting after last frost, that means up to 3 months growing time indoors. Otherwise, sow direct outdoors in summer to early autumn. For winter-flowering pansies in Zones 7-9, start seeds in mid to late June. For V. odorata: Direct sow in autumn or early spring. This variety benefits from a long exposure to cool soil.

Step 2

Starting

Even though the seeds are tiny, they need to be sown 5mm (¼”) deep. Keep the soil at 18-25°C (65-75°F), in complete darkness until they germinate in around 14 days. Then provide bright light to keep plants compact. Space at 15-23cm (6-9″) in the garden. For V. odorata: Barely cover the tiny seeds. Sow in flats sunk into the ground against a north-facing wall, and cover with glass or plastic. Remove cover when seedlings emerge. Germination can take up to 50 days, so be patient.

Step 3

Growing

After germination, pansies and violas are easy. Fertilize once or twice in early growth and provide a mulch around plants to keep roots cool as weather warms. Deadhead to prevent self-sowing, particularly with Johnny-Jump-Ups.

For V. odorata: Transplant after last frost or in the autumn where winters are mild, spacing at 15-30cm (6-12”) apart. Grow in partial shade, or in full sun where summers are cool. This variety prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Add well-rotted manure at transplant time.

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