Guide to growing Pansies and violets - Viola

The beauty of plants belonging to the Viola genus means that they are often grown in gardens and parks.

Viola are hardy or half hardy perennials that range from 5 to 30cm in height.

The time that viola bloom at is species dependent and can occur at any time in the year.

Flowers can be one or multicoloured and patterned; some viola species such as pansies are often said to have smiley faces.

Colours include purple, violet, blue, orange, red, yellow, and black amongst many others. Some common names for Viola include violet, Pansy, Johnny jump up, Horned violet and Tufted pansy.

How to grow viola; pansy, violet

If growing viola species such as pansies and violets outdoors from seeds then sow either at the start of autumn or spring. Once sown viola seeds should be lightly covered. Viola species should be planted with a spacing of 20 to 30cm and grown in a partially shaded part of the garden for best results. Ideally the soil that pansy, violet and other viola grow in should be rich, have good drainage, slightly acidic to neutral in pH (5.5 to 7) and moist.

If first growing viola indoors then start about 10 weeks in advance. The seeds should first be put into soil within a plastic bag. Put the bag containing the viola seeds in the fridge for two weeks. Then sow the seeds in the dark at 18 to 25 degrees centigrade; it should take about two to three weeks for viola to germinate.

Caring for Viola species such as pansy and violet

Viola like moist and cool conditions so supply them with a mulch and keep well watered. Ideally violets and pansies should be fertilized when they are young. Following flowering deadhead the plants to prolong blooming. At the end of the first bloom cut back viola stems; this may result in a further bloom.