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| Viola
are annuals, biennials, deciduous or evergreen
perennials that can be identified by their 5 petals
and small size. More commonly referred to as violets
or pansies these plants have the diversity to be used
as bedding plants, rockery plants, lawn plants and for
the use in wildflower and wildlife gardens depending
on the variety used. |
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| Distinguishing
between the varieties can prove to be difficult as
violas and pansies can often be discussed as being the
same plant where in fact pansies are a large group of
hybrid plants derived from the violas. A general rule
is that violas tend to be smaller and have one colour
whereas a pansy has a larger flower and is often
bicolour. |
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Violas
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| A genus
containing 500 species should be celebrated and what
better way than to invite some of them into your
garden, not only can they start and end a season with
a jolt of colour and scent they also self seed to
allow you to sit back and have the work done for you.
Violas can be easily started from seed indoors 4-6
weeks before transplantation and because they will
thrive in colder climates this time can be before the
expected end date of the frost. If you are in an area
that has warmer climates seeds can be sown in mid
summer. Use a sterile seed compost and ensure to
moisten before sowing, sow 2-3 seeds in each pot and
cover entirely with more moistened seed compost. |
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Keep the
pots in a warm place and continue to moisten, once the
seeds begin to show move to a sunny position. The pots
can be thinned once the leaves have begun to show and
transplanting them outdoors can occur when the weather
permits. It may be necessary to harden off your plants
before putting them in their final position by placing
the pots outdoors for periods of time to see how they
react. It is also possible to direct sow depending on
the weather conditions, with either method ensure to
keep the plants moist and do not allow them to dry
out. |
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Violas |
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| Pansies |
| With such a
vast range of varieties to choose from pansies are the
perfect addition to any garden no matter the size or
shape. Pansies allow gardeners to fill their gardens
with bursts of colour and because they can be used in
so many ways we really are spoilt for choice. Pansies
are the perfect plant for autumn and spring bedding
and will thrive in many sites depending on the variety
chosen. Pansies should be planted in full sun or
partial shade in pots, containers, baskets or into
beds. The soil does not need any requirements other
than to retain moisture. Planting for a spring display
should occur April to May however pansies will not
thrive in extremely warm conditions so it may be
necessary to start them indoors until they are
established before moving them. |
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| For
an autumn display planting should be done from
September to October. When planting take care to
maintain the integrity of the root ball and keep
spacing to a minimum of 15-20cm apart. Water the
plants and feed well, mulch can be added once the
plants are established in order to maintain the
moisture retention. The flowering season can be
extended by pinching off the foliage that has withered
slightly as this will encourage further growth. |
| The
leaves and flowers of both violas and pansies are
edible and can be used in syrups, honey and on salads.
As with any edible flowers it is imperative that you
know beforehand that they are indeed edible and to
consume them in small quantities to observe for any
adverse reactions. The flowers of violas and pansies
can be used as a dye and are also perfect for cut
bunches and pot pourri. |
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