Violas are perennial and grow best in well drained soil that has an open structure to encourage fibrous roots and promote many stems from the same root. Cut back two or three times during the spring and summer to encourage new shoots and more flowers. Aid this by applying a liquid rose fertilizer or seaweed and water. Violas do not have the ‘blotch’ of the pansy but may have dark rays in the blue yellow or mauve petals. Violettas are very similar but with smaller flowers, compact habit and a good fragrance.

Propagation to get more Violas for Free

• In the second week of June cut plants back to within 2 inches of the soil.
• When the shoots grow back to 3 inches long scatter some fine soil mixed with peat, amongst the shoots and keep well watered.
• In two or three weeks the shoots will have rooted and can be replanted in a shady spot
• Pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching
• Divide plants every two or three years in Spring as they start to grow or in Autumn but the results may not be as good as the rooted cuttings.
• Alternatively sow fresh seeds in July. Cover lightly but then exclude light for a few weeks until they have germinated. transplant in October to flower next spring.