Violets: A Guide to the Cheerful Little Flowers
Violets are one of the cheeriest little flowers to grace the landscape. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and yellow. Violets are also known for their sweet fragrance.
There are around 400 types of violet plants in the genus Viola. The many violet plant varieties guarantee there is a sweet little Viola perfect for almost any gardening need.
True Violets vs. African Violets
True violets are different from African violets, which are natives of east Africa. Our native violets are indigenous to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and may bloom from spring well into summer, depending upon the species.
Violet Plant Varieties
Bedding Violets
Bedding violets are your hybridized violets and pansies. In late winter, they are the most commonly found in nurseries and thrive in the cool of early spring and even late winter in temperate and warm regions.
Sweet Violets
Sweet violets are descended from Viola odorata, while bedding violets are deliberate hybrids of Viola cornuta and pansies.
Wild Violets
Wild violets are less common but may be found at native nurseries since 60 species are native to North America. Every region will have slightly different offerings but there are some mainstays in the Viola community.
How to Choose the Best Violets for Your Garden
When choosing violets for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Bloom time: Violets bloom at different times of the year, so be sure to choose varieties that will bloom when you want them to.
- Sun exposure: Violets prefer to grow in partial shade, but some varieties can tolerate full sun or full shade.
- Soil type: Violets prefer to grow in well-drained soil.
- Size: Violets come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to choose varieties that are the right size for your garden.
How to Grow Violets
Violets are easy to grow from seed or cuttings. They can be planted in the spring or fall.
To grow violets from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed starting mix. Keep the seeds moist and warm, and they will germinate in about 10-14 days.
To grow violets from cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy violet plant. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and warm, and it will root in about 4-6 weeks.
Violet Care
Violets are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require regular watering and fertilizing. Violets should be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Violets are also susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. The most common diseases are powdery mildew and botrytis.
The Many Uses of Violets
Violets have been used for centuries for their medicinal and culinary properties. The flowers, leaves, and roots of violets can be used to make teas, tinctures, and other remedies. Violets are also edible and can be added to salads, soups, and other dishes.
In addition to their medicinal and culinary uses, violets are also popular ornamental plants. They are often used in gardens, borders, and containers. Violets are also a popular choice for wedding bouquets and other floral arrangements.
Conclusion
Violets are a versatile and beautiful flower that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are growing them in your garden, using them in your kitchen, or simply admiring their beauty, violets are sure to bring you joy.
