Best Way to Grow Violas, Pansies, and Violets

Viola are similar to Violets and belong to the Violaceae family. This large group of annuals and perennials contains a wide range of woodland and rock garden plants. These flowers are found in mild North American regions, Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Some common names for Viola are Bedding Violas, Sweet Violets and Pansies. Bedding Violas are hybrids between Pansies and Viola cornuta. They are sometimes called tufted Pansies. Pansies are descended from European wild Violas. Sweet Violets also come from Europe.

Violas usually grow 6 to 12 inches in height and leaves are 1 to 2 inches long. The flower part of the plant is round in shape and can reach 1 to 4 inches across. Colors come in a variety of colors and include white, yellow, gold, pale lavender, violet, mauve-purple and rose-lilac. There are many bicolors too.

Start the Violas inside of the house or directly plant them in your garden. The seeds are very delicate and need warmth and partial darkness. A 70 degree temperature atmosphere for 12 to 16 weeks is sufficient enough to produce well developed seeds. After this period the Violas may be planted outside, if the temperature is at least 50 degrees, if seeds were started in the house. Late spring to early summer are the best time for the Violas to grow and bloom.

To plant in the garden cover seeds with about 1/8 inch of soil and water until moist. Make sure to place seeds about 6 inches apart. The soil should be enriched with compost, leaf mold, peat moss, humus, or some coarse sand. Lime and bone meal should be used if the soil is acidic. Artificial fertilizers shouldn't be used with Violas, because they tend to dry out the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not consistently saturated. Water them during dry periods or if you live in a dry area about once or twice per week.

Under a tree or close to the house are good spots to plant Violas. Trees and houses act as shelter from too much rain or sunlight. Shade is very important to reduce the chances of bugs and dehydration. It is also important to clean the area. Keeping weeds down, dead flowers, and leaves picked off, so too much plant energy will not be wasted. Dead flowers and leaves hinder the production of the seeds.

Once your Violas are established they will grow without much care. If insects or a disease occurs treat the plant with organic or chemical insect repellents. Just plant seeds, water a bit, and make sure they get a little sun and Viola!

Source: Gardenersnet.com