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How to Grow Violas

Viola cornuta

How to Grow Violas

Violas can be seen as the little sister to pansies. Their bright little blooms or ‘faces’ jump out at you and provide an abundance of colour and character to your winter and spring garden. They come in a variety of colours and are a favourite amongst kids and adults alike.

Sunny position, protected from afternoon sun

Regular watering

Well drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow violas in a garden

Step 1

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, cover, firm down and water well.

Step 2

After sowing cover with a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to limit the light to the seeds.

Step 3

Water gently and keep moist through germination period. After germination remove newspaper or cardboard.

Step 4

While the seedlings are growing, choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun with protection from the afternoon sun and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 5

Allow the seedlings to grow to at least 5-7 cm before transplanting.

Step 6

When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 20-30 cm apart. Water in well.

Step 7

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw.

Step 8

Feed every 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.
how to grow violas 2
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How to grow violas in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun with protected from the afternoon sun.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. 

Step 3

Plant directly into the pot by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the pot.

Step 4

After sowing cover with a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to limit the light to the seeds.

Step 5

Water gently and keep moist through germination period. After germination remove newspaper or cardboard.

Step 6

Feed every 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

  • Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.
  • Flowers are edible and can be used to add colour to salads or to decorate cakes or sweets.
  • Kids love picking the flowers to create posies.
  • Violas can be vulnerable to 2 key pests - aphids and caterpillars. Aphids can infest stems, causing plants to yellow and grow poorly. Caterpillars can chew through leaves and ruin flower buds. Both aphids and caterpillars can be easily controlled Yates Rose Gun. Spray plants every 2 weeks to protect them from aphid and caterpillar damage.

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