Violas
Violas are fantastic garden plants that are excellent when used at
the front or borders or grown in containers. These small plants grow
rapidly to form small bushy mounds, which produce masses of flowers in
many colors , including bicolors. Plants will flower from spring
onwards and winter flowering types from autumn through winter. As an
alternative, Violas are easily grown from seed and are available in the seed selection on our
Links Page.
How to grow
Violas
are very easy to grow and make for excellent container and edging
plants. When you receive your plants you should move
them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot
plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist
and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.
Position
Violas
enjoy sunny sites and their flowers will follow the sun. To get the
most from your plants ensure you plant them with aspect in mind. For
example, plant Violas in an area where the sun is behind you when you
face their flowers.
Soil
Violas will grow well
on most soils and often self seed if you let them. To ensure good
growth and prolific blooming it is advised that plants are planted in a
soil that is fertile, well-drained and moisture retentive. You can
improve all soils with the addition of organic matter, such as
well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose
compost and an application of general fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed during
the growing season and after flowering will help to promote strong and
healthy plant growth.
Care
Violas are easy to
care for and will need little attention once planted. Water plants
well after initial planting and ensure they do not dry out completely. Irrigation systems will help to
ensure that plants are well watered and this is especially true of
container grown plants that will dry out quicker in full sun. The
addition of surface mulch in spring will help aid growth, conserve water
and keep roots moist throughout summer. Well-rotted garden compost or
multi-purpose compost are ideal for this function.
Top tip
Remove
faded blooms, commonly known as dead-heading, religiously as this will
ensure more flowers are produced. Add this material to the compost bin.
