Viola Mix

🔍 About Viola Mix

• Type: Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial depending on species

• Light: Full sun to part shade (prefers cooler conditions)

• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer, and again in fall in cooler climates

📅 1. When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 10–12 weeks before last frost

• Outdoors:

  • Late summer/early fall for blooms the following spring

  • Early spring in mild climates

❄️ 2. Cold Stratification (Optional but Helpful for Perennials)

Some perennial violas benefit from cold stratification:

• Place seeds in moist paper towel in a plastic bag

• Refrigerate for 7–14 days before sowing

Not essential for pansies or Johnny Jump-Ups, but may improve germination for wild or perennial types.

🌱 3. Sowing Seeds Indoors

• Containers: Use seed trays or shallow pots with drainage

• Soil: Use fine, well-draining seed-starting mix

• Depth: Sow ¼ inch (6 mm) deep — violas prefer darkness to germinate

• Water: Mist gently or bottom-water to keep soil moist

🌡️ 4. Germination Conditions

• Temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)

• Darkness: Cover trays with cardboard or a dome to block light

• Time: Germinates in 7–14 days

🌿 5. After Germination

• Move seedlings to bright, indirect light or under grow lights

• Remove any cover used for darkness

• Keep soil moist but not soggy

• Thin or transplant when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves

🌷 6. Transplanting Outdoors

• Timing: After hardening off and once frost danger has passed (or in early fall for overwintering)

• Spacing: 6–8 inches apart

• Site: Cool, well-drained spot with partial to full sun

🌼 7. Direct Sowing Outdoors (Optional)

• Best in fall: Scatter seeds and lightly cover

• Keep moist until germination

• May bloom the following spring

📌 Extra Tips

• Violas thrive in cool weather and may struggle in heat

• Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms

• Ideal for containers, borders, groundcover, and edible flowers

• Self-seeding is common in Johnny Jump-Ups and wild types