Quick Viola odorata Growing and Care Guide
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 4 to 6 inches (10—15 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 9.
Flowers: Winter through to summer (Location dependent, blooms earlier in warm areas).
Flower Details: Purple, white. Highly aromatic.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Basal rosette. Cordate.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Autumn. Germination time: 6 to 8 weeks. Seeds should be sown into flats in the autumn. Sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist and to check if seedlings have emerged. Transplant the seedlings after the last frost or in the autumn. Space at 8 inches (20 cm).
Sow Inside: No.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight (cool areas) or partial shade. Deep moist soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH 5.5 to 7. Rich soil enhanced with rotted manure. Regular watering. Liquid fertilizer at the beginning of spring. Mulch. Cut back to the ground once flowering has completed. Propagate: by dividing at the beginning of spring.
Miscellaneous: Due to its delightful scent has been used used in perfumes since Victorian times. Also has a culinary use where traditional French violet syrup is used to flavor and add aroma to scones and marshmallows. Water extracts from leaves have antibacterial properties.