Violas are some of the most popular flowers you can grow. They’re easy to grow and have many colors, shapes, and sizes. You can find them in many fragrances, including minty scents and herbal aromas.
Although they’re not hardy enough for outdoor use, viola plants are durable indoors. They’re often used as color accents in flower gardens because they’re low maintenance. Low maintenance requirements allow gardeners to focus on less-hardy plants like perennials.
Growing Instructions
Light Requirements
Viola plants are hardy and can handle a wide range of light conditions. But they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Place your viola in an area that gets morning light and afternoon shade.
Your plant will show signs of stress if it’s getting enough light. The leaves will turn yellow or brown and fall off. The plant may look weak or stunted; flowers may be sparse or non-existent. If this happens, you can move your viola to a sunnier location.
Water Requirements
Viola loves water! You should water them at least once weekly, if not more often. The soil should completely dry between watering sessions.
Do not overwater. Violas can rot if overwatered; don’t let them sit in excess water for long periods.
Don’t allow standing water in saucers under pots or hanging baskets. It can cause disease problems like root rot, which is hard on violas’ health over time. Ensure that saucers drain well before returning containers inside after watering or cleaning.
Humidity
Humidity is important for the health of your viola plant, as it helps to keep its leaves from drying out. To provide humidity for your plant, fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water. Place your viola on top of this tray to receive indirect moisture from the water as it evaporates. Or you can grow your plants in terrariums or greenhouses. Both these environments are humid and help keep the plants healthy.
Temperature
Viola plants are in the same family as pansies and violets. They both need similar temperatures. Temperatures should be between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-50 degrees at night. Don’t expose them to temperatures below freezing or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting exposed to low or high temperatures can cause the plant’s leaves to burn. If you live in a cold location, you must bring them indoors in winter or let them go dormant.
Soil
Viola plants prefer soil that drains well and has a neutral to alkaline pH level (pH 6.0–7.0). They will not tolerate heavy soils. But if you have clay or very sandy soil, amend it with peat moss or compost before planting your viola seeds.
Fertilizing
Occasionally, you’ll need to fertilize your viola. It’s usually done when the plant starts to grow in spring and summer. But you can also do it if you notice that your plant needs to grow better.
To fertilize a viola, mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil of your plants before watering them. That way, you won’t wash away all the nutrients! The amount of fertilizer depends on how large or small your pot is. Use enough to cover about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) of soil around each plant. Then add water from above to help distribute the nutrients throughout the soil. Don’t pour it on top as we did earlier! You’ll want to do this every three weeks during growth periods. Do it less often during winter when plants grow little, too, because they’re dormant.
Potting and Repotting
The popularity of violas has made them a common sight in gardens and flowerbeds across the world. One thing that makes these plants so appealing is their ability to adapt. That means you can grow them about anywhere!
Potting means putting your plant into a larger container in the same environment. This step is necessary if you want to increase or maintain space when planting new seeds into soil beds or pots. Potting is also an alternative if repotting isn’t possible due to environmental conditions. These environmental conditions can include excessive heat or dryness.
Repotting refers to moving a plant from one container to another in the same area. Place repotted plants into larger containers with fresh soil every year.
How to Propagate Violas
Propagating violas is easy and rewarding. To create a new plant, you can take cuttings, germinate seeds or grow the plant from an existing rhizome.
- Take cuttings from your favorite plants and place them in the soil to root. You could also root the cuttings in the water. Then transplant them once they’re ready for transplanting.
- Sow viola seeds into pots filled with the potting mix. Press down on top of the soil, so seedlings don’t emerge from underneath the soil when watered. It’s best if conditions are kept consistent throughout this stage to maintain growth patterns.
Speed of Growth
Violas are wonderful plants to grow indoors or outdoors. They’re easy to grow and maintain, and they offer a variety of colors that last throughout the year. Violas can be grown in pots or on the ground.
Height and Spread of Violas
The height and spread of violas depend on the variety. For example, some varieties of the viola are shorter than others.
The range for height is between 1 and 2 feet, and the spread is usually between 1 and 2 feet.
The height and spread can be affected by soil type, light levels, and humidity in your home or garden area.
Flowers & Fragrance of Violas
The flowers of violas come in a wide variety. They are often fragrant, making them ideal for planting near your front door or by a pathway. Wide varieties of the viola have blooms that resemble pansies and other perennials.
These hardy plants are easy to grow, whether you choose to plant them in pots or into the ground outside your home. They’re beautiful flowers both inside and out!
Trimming Violas
Trimming is the best way to keep your violas looking and performing their best. Try trimming them when they are about 2-3 inches tall, but no later than 4 inches at the earliest. The easiest way to tell if it’s time for a trim is by eyeballing the plants. Once they reach about 4 inches in height or longer, it’s time for a trim.
Trimming violas is easy. Use sharp scissors and snip off about 1/3 of the plant at its base. That means cutting where two new leaves are sprouting from the stem. It could lead to more work later because you’ll have to replant those cuttings before they start growing again! Most people mistake pulling up their plants instead of cutting them.
Toxicity
The viola plant is not poisonous. The leaves and flowers are edible and have been used in salads by some people. Pet owners should be aware that the viola plant can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Viola plants are also safe for bees, who will enjoy both its nectar and pollen.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of caring for your viola plants. With some knowledge and preparation, you can grow beautiful violas that will add color to your garden or home.
