Violets are a massive family of plants with over 400 different species out there. Most of us are familiar with the classics: sweet violets, pansies, and Johnny Jump-ups (violas). These beauties are some of the first to pop up in the spring, and sweet violets, in particular, aren’t just pretty to look at—their fragrance is absolutely heavenly. But before this low-growing groundcover can work its magic in your yard, you’ve got to get your Violas in the ground the right way.
Best Time to Plant and Location
The best window for planting violets is either in the fall (September to October) or early spring (February to March). Try to pick a mild day when the ground isn’t frozen. Violets thrive in spots that stay consistently moist and offer filtered sun or partial shade. Since they love to be left alone to grow and spread out after planting, pick a spot that doesn’t get scorched in the summer and won’t be stepped on or disturbed—think woodland edges or damp slopes. If you can keep the soil consistently moist, they can even handle a sunnier spot.
Soil Preferences
Viola is the perfect choice for damp soil that never fully dries out. If things get dry, you’ll need to step in with the watering can. They prefer soil that is fresh, loose, and meets these “ideal” criteria:
- Nutrient-rich
- High in organic matter (humus)
- Well-draining
- Loamy or sandy-loam texture
If you’re growing violets—especially pansies and Johnny Jump-ups—in containers, remember that they’ll need a regular dose of fertilizer to keep them happy.
Planting and Sowing
Viola seeds are “cold germinators,” meaning they actually need a chill to wake up. The easiest way is to sow them outdoors right after harvesting. You don’t *have* to start them indoors, but if you do, you’ll need to stratify them. This is just a fancy gardening term for giving the seeds a cold treatment for a few weeks. You can put the seeds in a bag with a little damp sand in the fridge, or follow these steps:
- Fill your pots or seed trays with a good seed-starting mix.
- Space the seeds out well across the soil.
- Cover them with a light layer of substrate and give them a drink.
- Place the tray outside for a few weeks; you’re aiming for temperatures between 34°F and 41°F (1-5°C).
- After that, move the trays into a warm room (around 60°F to 68°F).
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- You should see sprouts appearing in about two to four weeks.
- Once they’re established, you can move your young plants to their permanent home in the garden around late March.
