Sweet Violet (Viola Odorata) 30 seeds (#2337)

As winter fades the small fragrant blue flowers of the sweet violet carpet the woods of southern and western Europe. This small herbaceous perennial bears its heavily scented flowers from late winter to mid-spring, and sometimes again in fall. The edible flowers have five petals, two erect and three down-pointing. The petals surround a yellow and white eye, which helps attract bees. Plants spread by seed and also by surface runners which root at intervals. The heart-shaped, toothed leaves are bright green and rise in clusters from rooted runners. They are round or somewhat heart-shaped and have teeth on their margins.
Grow sweet violet in partial sun, usually under deciduous trees that allow sunlight to reach the ground. If summers are cool, they will easily handle full sun. The soil should not moist, well-drained, and not to alkaline. To increase the floral display, trim back runners and any taller, leggy growth in the autumn.
Use sweet violet along the edges of mixed borders, naturalized in woodland settings or in wildflower gardens. A tiny cup filled with a bouquet of violets is a delicate and delightful way to announce the arrival of spring.
Approximately 30 seeds in 0.3g packet.

Genus - Viola
Species - Odorata
Common name - Sweet Violet
Pre-Treatment - Not-required, but recommended
Hardiness zones - 5 - 8
Height - 0,20 - 0,30 m
Spread - 0,20 - 0,30 m
Plant type - Perennial flower
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Loamy, rich, humous
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden, Wildflower
Bloom season - April - May
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Blue, violet

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Violas do better with stratification, a process of subjecting seeds to moist/cold treatment to break the seeds dormancy. Indoors, sow seeds into moistened soil or vermiculite and place in the refrigerator or freezer for about 5 days. After that:
1. After the startification, fill plastic germination cell pots with moist germination soil mix.
2. Make a small hole with the pencil and put one little tiny seed into each.
3. Cover them lightly with the soil that got pushed away by making the hole. (seeds will germinate with no light)
4. Mist them with a spray bottle and cover the tray with clear plastic.
5. Place in a sunny window in a room that never goes below ~+16C at night and stays about +22C during the day.
7. When they start to germinate remove the cover to allow or air circulation.