What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #1: Violas
If you have been following my posts, you may have noticed I'm passionate about plants and the outdoors. And, for this very reason, I have decided to do a series on What to Grow In Winter. For the next 2 weeks, I'll be sharing some ideas and inspiration to help you grow more this season.
Currently, we are still in the early part of winter, and I have to say, I'm not always a big fan of the cold. I love the winter birds and the snow covered ground, but I don't like to feel so restricted to the indoors. But on a positive note, I find winter comes with a unique challenge: what to grow that's nice to look at that can stand up to the cold or frost. That's not always an easy challenge but it forces us to learn something new and even think outside the box.
Violas, Johnny-Jump-Ups, & Pansies
Violas, Johnny-Jump-Ups, and pansies are some of the most beautiful flowers you can grow in winter, and their names are almost interchangeable. (To ease any confusion, pease note: 'Viola' is the umbrella term for these plants). Whether we're throwing around the term 'Viola', 'Johnny-Jump-Up', or 'Pansy', each of these belong to the genus Viola. So, of course, they look very similar ;) They come in a wide array of colors but relatively speaking, their size and shape are very similar.
Viola odorata, 'Sweet Violets'
Viola pubescens
Viola Silvestris
Viola wittrockiana 'Padparadja'
Viola wittrockiana 'Black King'
Viola wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Yellow Blue Swirl'
Viola Tricolor 'Sands of Forvie'
Viola Tricolor
Caring for Violas:
- Fully grown plants can be potted or planted in beds even in spring. However, do check on your grow zone first because it may be too warm where you live to plant them in late spring. Traditionally, violas don't tolerate heat well but modern varieties are being bred to become more tolerant to it.
- Violas prefer full sun for optimal blooms and health.
- Many varieties will reseed, however, most people grow them as annuals, (planting new ones each year).
- They wilt when a frost or freeze hits, but only temporarily. However, they will only survive a hard freeze for so long.
- They prefer a moist, well-drained soil with ample organic matter.
- Only water when the soil feels dry.
- For more blooms, be diligent about deadheading withered flowers or dried up foliage. By doing so, you ensure more of the plant's energy is going toward making new blooms.
Hope you've enjoyed my first post in this new series, and if you haven't already planted some violas, don't worry... it's not too late. Put on a thick coat and gloves and get to planting some violas. You'll be glad you did!
