 Viola odorata |
Native Region: Possibly Europe Zone Range: 6-9 Preferred Climate: Well drained humus rich, cool moist soil with semi shade. Harvest Date: Thursday 30 July, 2009 Seed count: 40-50
Description: Long ago a gardener planted these violets and they have naturalized very well in shady cool spots that receive lots of winter moisture. By midwinter when there is no snow the few sunny days is enough to prompt flowering. Its sweet lingering perfume hangs in the air...a halbringer of spring...which cannot come soon enough. Bubblebees and our honeybees visit these flowers often. In the odd year when conditions are right, this plant will bloom again in the autumn. Easy to grow.
Notes: Naturalizes well. Loves mulch. Maintenance free. Spreads by self seeding and short runners.
Cultivation: Lightly cover; keep moist and chill for 2 weeks. Use clear plastic cover. Needs darkness to germinate. As seedlings emerge then provide indirect light, easily done by removing newspaper sheets draping plastic cover. Opt. germ. temp: 15-20 C. Days to germ: 14-21.
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