Violet Flower: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Viola (2024)

Violet flowers, hailing from the violaceae family, are a fascinating and diverse group of perennials. Famous for their stunning violets, their shades range from deep, sultry purples of the common blue violet (Viola sororia) to the charming tricolor petals of the Viola tricolor.

Violet flowers are versatile and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They can grow under full sun or partial shade, making them a favorite among gardeners across different climates. In Europe, these perennials are a popular choice for both outdoor gardens and as a houseplant due to their adaptability and striking appearance.

The violet flower is a self-pollinating plant, which means it doesn’t rely on insects or wind to propagate. This feature ensures a continuous bloom of flowers from late summer to early autumn. The plant sends out runners, which contribute to its swift spread and swelling population in a garden.

Gardeners should be aware that while the violet flower is a robust plant, it can fall prey to slugs and other garden insects. However, with proper care and attention, these threats can be managed effectively, ensuring the growth of a healthy and vibrant violet flower garden.

As a master gardener, I have years of experience with these stunning flowers and I’ll share all of that along with growing and planting tips in this complete guide to growing violet flowers.

Botanical Name: Viola spp.

Common Name: Violet

Family: Violaceae

Plant Type: Perennials

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 9 (USDA)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH

Bloom Time: Early spring to late summer

Flower Color: Violet, purple, blue, yellow, and white

Native Area: Europe, certain species are also native to North America

Violet Flower Plant Care

Caring for a violet flower, part of the Violaceae family, requires an understanding of subtle nurturing techniques. These flowers produce delicate petals and lush leaves that resonate vividly in both spring and late summer.

Interestingly, violet flowers are self-pollinating, and some varieties produce runners, swelling their garden presence. However, be cautious of pests such as insects and slugs which could damage the plant.

As a houseplant, violets require careful watering to prevent leaf yellowing, a common sign of overwatering. These characteristic violet flowers are not only visually enchanting but are a source of flavonoids, beneficial for both their beauty and their nutritional value.

Light

Violet flowers grow best in partial shade to full sun. These small plants, often considered perennials, require a delicate balance of light to flourish.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little can hinder their growth and flowering. In Europe, they are often found growing in dappled light under trees.

For those growing violet flowers as a houseplant, placing them near a window with filtered light can mimic their natural environment effectively.

Soil

The violet flower thrives best in well-draining soil that retains some moisture. The soil should be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for this small plant.

It also prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. If you’re growing it as a houseplant, use a high-quality potting mix to ensure optimal growth.

The soil’s condition plays a crucial role in the production of violet flowers’ characteristic flavonoids, which contribute to their vibrant color and potential health benefits.

Water

Violet flowers have specific watering needs to ensure their optimal growth. These small plants, often found as attractive houseplants, prefer consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged.

Overwatering can lead to swelling of the roots and invite slugs and other harmful insects. During late summer, when these self-pollinating perennials are in their peak bloom, they may require more frequent watering, especially if they are exposed to full sun.

However, if the violet flowers are grown in partial shade, the water requirement may be slightly less due to reduced evaporation.

Temperature and Humidity

Violet flowers thrive best in a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These perennials can tolerate cooler temperatures but are susceptible to damage if the mercury drops below freezing.

As for humidity, violets prefer a moderate to high level, around 50-75%. However, they can adapt to lower humidity levels, making them an excellent choice for a houseplant.

In drier environments, a small plant of violets might benefit from occasional misting to prevent leaves from drying out.

Fertilizer

Violet flowers are quite accommodating when it comes to their fertilizer requirements. These perennials, which can be grown as a small plant or houseplant, prefer a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

It’s best to fertilize in late summer when the plant’s growth is swelling, just before it starts to produce runners.

Over-fertilization can lead to an overgrowth of leaves at the expense of the flowers, and can also make the plant more attractive to insects and slugs.

Whether you’re growing the Wisconsin state flower or a European variety, remember that these self-pollinating beauties prefer a light touch when it comes to nutrients.

Pruning

Pruning is a vital aspect of caring for your violet flowers. These perennials, often used as houseplants, benefit from regular pruning to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

During late summer, check for any swelling or growth of runners. These are essentially small plants that may drain energy from the main plant and should be removed.

Additionally, prune any damaged or dying leaves and petals to prevent insects and slugs from being attracted to the plant. Remember that violet flowers are self-pollinating, so it’s not necessary to keep all the flowers for seed production.

Types of Violet Flowers

• Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia): The Common Blue Violet, also known as the Wisconsin state flower, is a perennial plant that is native to eastern North America. This small plant grows in full sun to partial shade and is well adapted to a variety of soil conditions. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the violet flowers bloom in late summer.

• Sweet Violet (Viola odorata): Originating from Europe, the Sweet Violet is a perennial that thrives in partial shade. It is a popular houseplant due to its sweet-smelling violet flowers that appear in the late summer. The leaves are dark green and heart-shaped, providing a beautiful contrast to the violet petals.

• Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens): The Yellow Violet is a unique member of the Violaceae family due to its yellow petals. It prefers full sun to partial shade and has a blooming period in the late summer. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a slight swelling at the base.

• Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana): Pansies, a hybrid of several viola species, are known for their wide array of vibrant colors, including violet. They are perennials that prefer full sun and well-drained soil. The flowers have large, overlapping petals and are often used in ornamental gardening.

• Horned Violet (Viola cornuta): The Horned Violet, native to the Pyrenees and other mountain ranges in Europe, is a perennial with unique violet flowers. The name comes from the elongated, horn-like shape of its petals.

How to Plant Violet Flowers From Seed

Choosing Your Violet Seeds

Violet flowers are renowned for their beautiful petals and vibrant colors. When selecting your violet seeds, look for seeds that are swelling, a sign that they are ready to be planted.

Preparing Your Planting Area

Violets thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day for the best results.

If you’re planning to grow them as a houseplant, ensure they are placed near a window where they can receive ample sunlight.

Planting Your Seeds

Start by planting your violet seeds in a small plant pot filled with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering them completely. This is because violet seeds require light to germinate.

Caring for Your Violets

Violet flowers require consistent watering, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Keep an eye out for pests such as insects and slugs, which can damage the leaves and petals of your violet plants.

How to Propagate Violet Flowers

Step 1: Preparing for Propagation

Before you start the propagation process, ensure the parent plant is healthy and free from insects and diseases. Look for signs of swelling on the leaves, which could indicate the presence of pests such as slugs.

Late summer is the best time for propagation as the plant is in its peak growth phase, and runners, or extensions of the plant, are more likely to be present.

Step 2: Taking Cuttings

To propagate violets, you can take cuttings from the parent plant. These cuttings should include a part of the leaf and stem.

Be careful not to damage the petals in the process. After taking the cuttings, place them in a pot with well-draining soil.

Step 3: Caring for the New Plant

Once you’ve planted your cuttings, they will start to develop into a new violet plant. To ensure successful growth, place the pot in a well-lit area with partial shade.

Violets thrive in conditions similar to their native Europe, so try to mimic this environment as much as possible.

Step 4: Transitioning to the Garden

After a few weeks, once the cutting has developed a strong root system, it’s time to transition the new violet plant to your garden.

Like the parent plant, the new violet will thrive in full sun to partial shade. Be sure to keep an eye out for slugs and other insects that may harm your new plant.

How to Pot or Repot Violet Flowers

Step 1: Select the Right Pot and Soil

Violet flowers prefer a well-draining soil, which prevents water from swelling around the roots, potentially causing root rot. A pot with drainage holes is also essential.

The pot size should accommodate the plant’s runners, as some violet species can spread quite significantly.

Step 2: Planting the Violet

Place some soil in the bottom of the pot and gently place your violet plant in. Fill in the remaining space with soil, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets. Ensure that the violet is planted at the same depth it was in its original pot.

Step 3: Positioning and Care

Violet flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade, depending on the specific species. As a general rule, most violets prefer a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

These plants are self-pollinating, so you don’t need to worry about attracting pollinators. However, be vigilant about slugs, as they’re known to be particularly attracted to these plants.

Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance

Water your violet regularly, but be careful not to overwater. During the late summer, you may notice your plant producing fewer flowers. This is normal, as violets tend to bloom in the spring and early summer.

As a houseplant, violets can bring a splash of color to your home during these seasons.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Violet Flower

Slugs

Slugs are one of the most common pests that can affect violet flowers, a member of the violaceae family. These creatures crawl on the leaves, leaving behind a slimy trail and causing damage by eating the leaves and petals.

Slugs are particularly attracted to perennials and small plants, like the violet, which are often found in partial shade or full sun.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a plant disease that can affect a wide range of plants, including the violet flower. It manifests as a white or gray powdery substance on the surface of leaves, often in late summer. This mildew can cause the leaves to curl and distort, resulting in a less healthy and less attractive plant.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that can cause significant damage to violet flowers. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing swelling and deformation of leaves and petals.

Aphids can also transmit plant diseases, further weakening the plant. However, violets are self-pollinating and rich in flavonoids, which can help them resist some of the damage caused by these pests.

Botrytis Blights

Botrytis blights are a type of fungal disease that can affect violet flowers. This disease causes the plant’s leaves and petals to rot, often starting with the flowers and spreading to the rest of the plant.

Botrytis blights are particularly problematic in Europe and areas with similar climates, such as Wisconsin, where the state flower is the wood violet.

Common Plant Problems and Solutions for Violet Flowers

Brown Tips

Brown tips on the leaves of your violet flower can often be a sign of underwatering. This small plant, which doubles as a lovely houseplant, prefers consistent moisture.

Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and remember that violet flowers thrive best in partial shade rather than full sun.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Violet flowers, known for their stunning petals, can suffer from root swelling if left in waterlogged soil.

Modify your watering schedule and ensure your plant has good drainage. If the problem persists, consider repotting the plant into fresh soil.

Failure to Flower

Violet flowers, which are self-pollinating, should bloom in late summer. If your plant is failing to produce its signature violet flowers, it may not be receiving enough light.

While these plants are often grown as perennials, they still require a good amount of light to bloom. Move your plant to a brighter location but avoid full sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Overgrowth

Violet flowers can produce runners, leading to rapid overgrowth if not kept in check. Regular pruning can help maintain a manageable size and encourage more robust growth. Be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves to allow for new growth.

Fading Flower Color

Loss of vibrant colors in your violet flowers might indicate a lack of flavonoids. These natural compounds are essential for imparting color to the plant’s petals.

A nutrient-rich soil can provide small plants with necessary flavonoids. Using a violet flower as a houseplant can also help maintain its color, as it will have a controlled environment.

Other Flower Guides from Planet Natural:

Plumbago Plants: How to Grow and Care for Plumbago

Canna Lily Guide: How to Grow and Care for Canna Bulbs

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)