Violets are an early blooming plant. They often bloom right alongside your
mid to late spring bulbs. Violets herald in the new garden season with a
wide variety of bright, brilliant colors. An easy to grow annual, you will
often find them growing in the wild. Violets, Pansies, and Violas are all
part of a closely related family. Violets have an 'Old World" charm all their
own.
Did you Know? Roses may be red, but violets are indeed violet. They
also purple, yellow, white and bluish-purple.
Violet are popular, easy, and fun to grow. Fill an area or entire bed with
Violet for a striking spring effect! They also are great in windowsills and
containers.
These popular plants are popular in many states. They are the state flower
of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Propagation:
Violets are grown from seeds. They like full to partial sun. Violet can be
directly seeded into your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting
later. For spring blooms, you need to start your Violet in pots and containers
indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost.
Sow Violet seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" soil. Water
thoroughly once. They germinate slowly.
Transplant Violet plants into your garden after the last frost date
for your area. Space them 6" apart. They will tolerate a little crowding.
If you are creating a flower bed, you may want to create a pattern or color
scheme prior to planting. Or, use mixed varieties.
How to Grow Violet Plants:
Violets prefer cool to warm climates, and wilt a bit in mid-summer heat.
In warmer areas, we recommend partial shade. They tolerate a variety of soils.
Add a general purpose fertilizer when planting them, then once a month after
that.
Once your Violet plants are established, they should grow well, even if left
unattended. Soil should be moist, but not wet. Water them during dry periods,
once or twice per week. Keep them well weeded.
Remove spent blooms to promote additional blooms and extend the blooming
period. This will also keep the appearance neat and beautiful.
Violet are hardy annuals. They will often survive the first frost if it is
light. They will not survive a hard frost or freeze.
Insect and Disease:
Violet seldom have problems with insects and disease. If insect or disease
problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and
fungicide.
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