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Viola

Viola

Viola p. 'Eco Artist Palette' (30)ct Flat

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Viola

Viola 'Etain' (30)ct Flat

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Viola

Viola p. 'Eco Artist Palette' (30)ct Flat

Viola p. 'Eco Artist Palette' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Birdfoot Violet, Mountain PansyA selection of the US native Birdfoot Violet, distinct in the Violet world for its bi-color flowers and narrow...

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Viola

Viola 'Etain' (30)ct Flat

Viola 'Etain' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Violet. A rare and elegant viola! This beautiful English hybrid has extra large 1¾" wide, pale lemon yellow blossoms with contrasting...

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What are the characteristics of Viola?

Plants belonging to the genus Viola, commonly known as violets, are characterized by their following features:

Habit: Mostly herbaceous perennials, although some are annuals. A few species can be shrubs or small trees.
Leaves: Simple, alternate or in basal rosettes, with stipules (leaf-like appendages) at the base of the leaf stalk. The leaf shape is typically heart-shaped or kidney-shaped with scalloped margins, but some species have linear or palmate leaves.
Flowers: Solitary, bisexual, and zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry). They have five sepals that persist after flowering, and five petals with unequal sizes. The lower petal is often the largest and has a pouch-like spur that nectar is secreted in to attract pollinators. Flower colors range from white and yellow to various shades of blue, violet, and even multicolored. Interestingly, some species produce cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening.
Fruit: A capsule that splits into three sections when mature to release seeds.

Violets are a widespread group of plants found in temperate regions around the world. They are popular ornamentals due to their beautiful flowers and are also known for their sweet fragrance. The genus Viola includes well-known garden favorites like pansies and Johnny-jump-ups.

How do I plant Viola?

There are two main ways to plant violas: from seeds or from transplants (young plants purchased from a nursery). Here's a breakdown for each method:

Planting from Seeds:

Timing: The ideal time for sowing viola seeds depends on your climate. In cool climates, plant seeds in early spring or fall. In warmer areas, sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Location: Choose a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. Violas tolerate most conditions but prefer cooler weather and will flower less in intense summer heat.
Soil: Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter like compost for good drainage and fertility. Violas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Seeding: Scatter seeds thinly on the soil surface and press them gently. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of sifted compost or vermiculite. Water sparingly but regularly to keep the soil moist.
Germination: Seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings have two true leaves, thin them out to allow proper spacing. Mounding violas need 6-8 inches apart, while trailing varieties prefer 10-12 inches.

Planting from Transplants:

Timing: You can plant viola transplants throughout the spring and fall in most climates.
Selection: Look for healthy plants with plenty of buds at your local nursery.
Planting: Dig holes slightly bigger than the root ball of the transplant. Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, pressing it firmly around the base.
Watering: Water the plants well after planting to help them settle in.

General Care Tips:

Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but avoid overwatering.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Apply a balanced fertilizer occasionally during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Violas are generally low-maintenance plants and shouldn't require much pest or disease control.

By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful violas blooming in your garden for most of the season!

What are varieties of Viola?

There are over 500 species in the genus Viola. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Viola cornuta (Horned Pansy): This variety is known for its large, showy flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, white, and bi-colored. Horned pansies are typically biennials, but they can also be grown as short-lived perennials in mild climates.
Viola tricolor (Johnny-Jump-Up): This cheerful variety is a favorite for its small, pansy-like flowers in a combination of purple, yellow, and white. Johnny-jump-ups are true perennials and are known for their prolific blooming and self-seeding habits.
Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy): Pansies are the result of hybridization between several Viola species. They are popular for their large, showy flowers in a vast array of colors and patterns. Pansies are typically biennials, but some varieties can be grown as short-lived perennials.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet): This fragrant variety is prized for its lovely violet-scented flowers that bloom in early spring. Sweet violets are low-growing perennials that form attractive clumps.
Viola mandshurica: This variety is native to Manchuria and Korea. It has attractive marbled pink and cream foliage and deep purple flowers that bloom in early spring.

How Do I Care For a Viola?

Violas are known for being relatively low-maintenance flowers, but with a little care, you can keep them thriving and blooming throughout the season. Here's what you need to know:

Lighting and Temperature:

Violas prefer cool weather and thrive in temperatures between 40- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit.
They can tolerate full sun in cooler spring weather, but partial shade is ideal, especially during the hot summer months.
In very hot climates, consider planting them in areas with dappled shade during the afternoon.

Watering:

Water your violas regularly to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves.
Letting the soil dry out completely between waterings can stress the plants and hinder flowering.
When in containers, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot caused by soggy soil.

Soil and Fertilizing:

Violas prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Amending your soil with organic matter like compost before planting helps with drainage and provides nutrients for healthy growth.
During the growing season, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month to encourage vibrant blooms, but it's not essential for healthy plants.

Deadheading and Maintenance:

Regularly deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off at the base of the stem. This encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.
If your violas become leggy or spindly due to insufficient light, you can cut them back to 3-4 inches to promote bushier growth.

Summer Care and Fall Bloom:

In hot summer weather, viola flowers may fade or stop blooming altogether [1]. You can either remove them and replace them with heat-tolerant plants or provide extra care to prolong their bloom. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and keep the soil cooler.
In mild climates, you can encourage fall blooming by cutting back the plants in late summer after the main flowering period is over.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy beautiful violas adding color and charm to your garden throughout the season.

Does Viola attract pollinators?

Viola flowers are absolutely attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies! Here's why:

Colorful blooms: Violas come in a wide range of colors like blue, purple, yellow, white, and even bi-colored combinations. These vibrant colors are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, which can see ultraviolet light and often have color preferences that guide them towards nectar sources.
Nectar production: Viola flowers produce nectar, a sugary liquid that is a valuable food source for pollinators. The nectar is typically hidden inside a pouch-like spur at the base of the lower petal, which incentivizes pollinators to delve deeper into the flower to reach it.
Landing platform: The lower petal of Viola flowers is often larger, and flatter compared to the others, creating a convenient landing platform for pollinators to access the nectar. Some Viola varieties even have hairy landing zones that provide better footing for smaller insects.
Fragrance: While not all Violas are fragrant, some species like Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) have a sweet scent that can further attract pollinators.

Overall, the combination of visual cues like color, the presence of nectar, and physical features like landing platforms make Viola flowers inviting to a variety of pollinators. In turn, these pollinators play a crucial role in Viola's reproduction by transferring pollen between flowers as they move from plant to plant in search of food. It's a mutually beneficial relationship!

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Viola?

Even though violas are relatively low-maintenance plants, they can be susceptible to some common pests and diseases. Here are a few to watch out for:

Diseases:

Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), and various leaf spots can affect violas. These diseases are favored by cool, humid conditions and can cause problems like white powdery patches on leaves (mildew), wilting, and flower browning (botrytis), or discolored spots on leaves (leaf spots).
Treatment: The best way to manage fungal diseases is through prevention. Ensure good air circulation around plants by avoiding overcrowding and improve drainage to prevent moisture buildup. Fungicide sprays can be used for established infections, but always follow label instructions carefully.

Pests:

Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects suck sap from viola leaves and flowers, causing stunted growth and distorted foliage.
Slugs and snails: These slimy creatures munch on leaves and flowers, leaving ragged holes and slime trails.
Earwigs: Earwigs feed on flower petals and leaves, often at night. You might find them hiding in moist areas around the plants.

Treatment:

Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray: These organic options can be effective in controlling aphids, especially if applied early in the infestation.
Handpicking: For small infestations, you can simply handpick and remove the pests. This is a good option for slugs and snails.
Diatomaceous earth: A powder made from fossilized algae, diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the base of plants to deter crawling pests like slugs and snails.

General Tips:

Promote healthy plants: Strong, healthy violas are more resistant to pests and diseases. Proper watering, fertilization, and providing adequate sunlight and air circulation all contribute to plant health.
Monitor regularly: Regularly inspect your violas for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and intervention are key to minimizing damage.
Organic control methods: Whenever possible, opt for organic control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to minimize impact on beneficial insects and the environment.

By being aware of these potential threats and taking preventive measures, you can keep your violas healthy and blooming beautifully throughout the season.

Can I Use Viola in Floral Arrangements?

Violas can be beautiful and versatile additions to floral arrangements. Here's why:

Variety of colors and sizes: Violas come in a wide range of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, white, and even bi-colored combinations. This allows you to incorporate pops of color or create specific color palettes to match your arrangement's theme.
Different flower sizes: There are varieties of violas with both small and large blooms. Small violas can add a touch of delicate charm, while larger ones can provide a more substantial presence in your arrangement.
Long blooming season: Violas have a long blooming season, typically from early spring to late fall. This makes them a reliable choice for floral arrangements throughout a significant portion of the year.
Fragrance: While not all violas are fragrant, some species like Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) have a lovely scent that can add another dimension to your arrangement.

Here are some tips for using violas in floral arrangements:

Choose the right viola type: Consider the overall style and size of your arrangement when selecting viola varieties. Smaller blooms work well in delicate arrangements, while larger ones can balance out bolder designs.
Condition the flowers: Before using violas in your arrangement, cut the stems at an angle and place them in a vase with cool water for several hours. This helps them hydrate and stay fresh.
Combine with other flowers: Violas pair well with a variety of other flowers, such as roses, lilies, pansies, and greenery. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Consider using violas as fillers: Violas can be used effectively as filler flowers in arrangements, adding pops of color and texture among larger blooms.

With their charming appearance, long bloom time, and versatility, violas can be a delightful addition to your floral arrangements.

Is Viola Invasive?

The invasiveness of Viola depends on the specific species. Here's a breakdown:

Native Violas: Many Viola species are native to various regions around the world. These plants are well-adapted to their local environments and wouldn't be considered invasive within their native range. In fact, some native violas can even be beneficial to the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for pollinators.
Non-native Violas: Some Viola species, particularly those introduced for ornamental purposes, can be invasive in certain areas. These introduced species may lack natural predators or competitors in their new environment, allowing them to spread aggressively and potentially displace native plants.

Here are some things to consider:

Specific Viola Species: If you're concerned about invasiveness, it's important to identify the specific Viola species you're considering planting. Researching its native range and potential invasiveness in your area is crucial.
Climate and Habitat: Even non-native violas might not always be invasive. Factors like climate and habitat type can influence their ability to spread aggressively.

Here are some resources that can help you determine the invasiveness of a specific Viola species:

The Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/
Native Plant Societies in your region

If you'd like to plant violas and are concerned about invasiveness, opting for native species is the best option. They are well-adapted to your local environment and provide ecological benefits.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Viola?

The best time to propagate violas depends on whether you want to do it from seeds or through division and also depends on your climate. Here's a breakdown:

Propagation by Seeds:

Cool Climates (Spring & Fall):
For areas with cool summers and mild winters, you can sow viola seeds outdoors in early spring (around March-April) after the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, you can sow seeds in early fall (around September-October) for blooms the following spring.
Warm Climates (Late Summer & Early Fall): In warmer climates with hot summers, sow seeds in late summer (around mid-August to early September) for blooms in late fall or winter. Avoid sowing seeds in the heat of summer as germination rates will be lower.

Propagation by Division:

Early Spring: Dividing established viola plants is best done in early spring, before new growth emerges. This allows the divisions sufficient time to establish themselves before the hot summer weather arrives.

General Tips:

Regardless of the method or timing, violas prefer cool weather for germination and establishment.
If starting seeds indoors, ensure proper lighting and temperature control to promote healthy seedling growth.
When transplanting seedlings outdoors, harden them off gradually to acclimate them to outdoor conditions.

By considering your climate and preferred propagation method, you can choose the best time to propagate violas and ensure their successful growth.

What are the benefits of planting Viola?

Here are some of the benefits of planting violas in your garden:

Beautiful Blooms: Violas come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and even some with fragrant scents. They can add a burst of color and charm to your garden beds, borders, or containers throughout a significant part of the year due to their long blooming season.
Attracts Pollinators: Violas are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their bright colors, nectar production, and landing platforms on the flowers all contribute to this. This can be beneficial for your entire garden as pollinators help with fruit and vegetable production on other plants.
Low Maintenance: Violas are generally considered low-maintenance plants. They don't require excessive watering, fertilizing, or special care to thrive.
Versatility: Violas can be planted in various settings. They are well-suited for garden beds, borders, rock gardens, or even containers. Their trailing varieties can add a cascading touch to hanging baskets or window boxes.
Can be Edible: Some Viola species, like Viola odorata (Sweet Violet), have edible flowers and leaves. The flowers can be used in salads, desserts, or as a garnish, while the leaves can be added to salads or teas.
Potential for Groundcover: Violas can form a dense, low-growing mat that helps suppress weeds in your garden beds.

Overall, violas offer a combination of aesthetic beauty, ecological benefits, and ease of care, making them a great addition to many gardens.

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Viola

Viola p. 'Eco Artist Palette' (30)ct Flat

Viola

Viola 'Etain' (30)ct Flat

Viola

Viola p. 'Eco Artist Palette' (30)ct Flat

Viola

Viola 'Etain' (30)ct Flat

What are the characteristics of Viola?

How do I plant Viola?

What are varieties of Viola?

How Do I Care For a Viola?

Does Viola attract pollinators?

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Viola?

Can I Use Viola in Floral Arrangements?

Is Viola Invasive?

When Is The Best Time To propagate Viola?

What are the benefits of planting Viola?