Better Sweet than Shrinking (Viola)

Member Name: noodlesandwich

Product:	Viola
Date:	05/02/08 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pretty, hardy and easy to grow

Disadvantages: Don't like the heat

Think of violets and the colour purple comes to mind, but these plants come in a variety of wonderful hues including deep blues, magenta, even yellow and cream. They are beautiful flowers which is no doubt why it was once considered the height of fashion to wear a sprig of violets and they were sported by Royalty and celebrities of the day over a hundred years ago. Nowadays they are more popular as plants for borders and rockeries. They are hardy perennials and related to the Pansy which is shorter lived. There are hundreds of varieties which grow in many different parts of the world. Many violets flower from Spring through to Autumn with some varieties putting on a display all year long.

How to Grow Viola:

Viola prefer cool to warm climates. They can wilt in hot summers so partial shade is recommended in hot areas.They like humus-rich soil with plenty of well-rotted manure added when planting in the spring but they do tolerate a variety of soils. They don't require a lot of feeding but for best results add a general purpose fertilizer when planting them, then offer a weak liquid feed in Summer.
Once Viola are established, they usually grow really well, even if left to themselves. They should be well weeded of course and the soil is best kept moist but not wet. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage additional flowering, and extend the blooming period. Viola tend not to have many problems with insects or disease but keep an eye out for aphids and use a treatment to stop them increasing.

Summary: A pretty and popular choice for gardens