How to Grow Sweet Violet

Sweet Violets are an old perennial favourite for a cottage garden. Tolerant of cold winters and warm summers, their colourful and highly scented blooms are a great addition to the cottage style garden. They form a green carpet and push up lovely purple flowers over early spring.

Full sun to semi-shade

Regular watering

Well drained soil

Suited to all climates

How to grow sweet violet in a garden

Step 1

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that has full to partial sun.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting.

Step 3

Plant directly where the violets are to grow. They will spread over time, creating a lovely display.

Step 4

Water gently and keep only slightly moist and mulch to keep damp.

Step 5

During the active growing period, feed every 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Step 6

Pinch out spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

How to grow sweet violet in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and place it in a position that gets semi sun and is sheltered from wind. A low bowl that is not too deep is ideal.

Step 2

Fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Sow the seeds directly in the potting mix.

Step 4

Cover lightly with 25 mm of potting mix.

Step 5

Water gently and keep only slightly moist through the germination period.

Step 6

Once the seedlings are established, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Step 7

Remove any spent flowers to prolong the display.

Growing tips

Improve the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser prior to planting, and add some organic matter or compost.
Apply some mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture.
Pick blooms regularly to promote further flowering.
Once flowering has finished feed with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food to encourage strong growth and good flowers next season.
Generally pest and disease free!