Violets and Violas Are Versatile and Beautiful Learn More About Each Type
When it comes to the beautiful world of flowering plants, African violets, violas, and violets offer beauty and versatility. Though often confused with pansies, these plant varieties each have their own unique characteristics, care requirements, and uses, making them standout stars in any garden. Read on to learn about these fascinating plants, their differences, and best to grow them.
Violas: Versatile and Hardy Blooms
What Makes Them Different: Violas (Viola tricolor, among others) are often referred to as "Johnny-jump-ups" and are recognized for their small, charming flowers that come in a variety of colors, often with delicate "faces" on the petals. These hardy plants are close relatives of pansies but tend to have smaller flowers. Violas are more cold-hardy than pansies and can often survive light frosts, making them ideal for early spring and late fall gardens.
Growing from Seed: Violas are easy to grow from seed, and they typically germinate within 10-14 days in cool temperatures (around 65°F). Sow the seeds directly in the garden in early spring or indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Once established, violas are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate both cool and warm weather.
Uses: Violas are extremely versatile. They can be used as ground cover, border plants, or container flowers. They are also edible, making a lovely garnish for salads and desserts. The vibrant colors and delicate nature of the blooms bring both beauty and culinary interest to any garden.
Violets: Woodland Wonders
What Makes Them Different: Violets (Viola odorata, Viola sororia, and others) are known for their heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, often purple or blue, though they can also be found in white, pink, and yellow varieties. Violet flowers have a slightly asymmetrical structure with a distinct "spur" or nectary at the back of the flower. This spur holds nectar and is often a tell-tale sign when distinguishing them from other similar species like pansies or violas. These are more closely related to violas than African violets and are usually found in shady, woodland environments.
Growing from Seed: Because iolets need cold stratification, the seeds should be sown in the fall or winter to mimic natural conditions, allowing them to experience a cold period before germination in spring. Once germinated, they prefer rich, moist soil and partial shade. Violets are hardy plants that will often self-seed and spread in ideal conditions.
Uses: Violets are commonly used in naturalized garden settings or as ground cover in shaded areas. Their leaves and flowers are edible and have a sweet fragrance, making them popular in herbal remedies and as decorations for food. Violet flowers can be candied or added to salads for both flavor and visual appeal.
African Violets: Exotic Beauty and Indoor Charm
What Makes Them Different: African violets (Saintpaulia) are tropical plants native to Tanzania and East Africa. Known for their velvety, colorful blooms, they are commonly grown as indoor houseplants due to their need for warm and stable conditions. African violets are quite different from true violets in both appearance and care needs. They grow in rosettes, with fleshy, soft leaves and flowers that range from purple to pink and white.
Growing from Seed: While African violets can be propagated from seed, although this is not the most common method due to the difficulty of germination. Most gardeners prefer to propagate them through leaf cuttings or divisions. However, if you are patient and want to grow them from seed, ensure you provide consistent warmth (around 70°F), humidity, and a sterile medium. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil as they require light to germinate. African violets need bright, indirect light and thrive in evenly moist, well-draining soil.
Uses: African violets are beloved for their ability to flower year-round in indoor environments. They make excellent gifts, add color to home interiors, and are popular choices for container gardening.
How Are These Plants Different from Pansies?
Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are hybrids derived from violas. They are known for their large, face-like flowers, which are much bigger and bolder than those of violas and violets. While both pansies and violas are often grown as cool-season annuals, pansies are more heat-sensitive, meaning they tend to perform better in cooler weather and may not last as long into the warm months as violas.
Pansies also tend to have thicker, more rounded petals and a wider range of bright color combinations. Another key difference lies in their blooming season: pansies bloom primarily in early spring and fall, whereas violas are often hardier, blooming well into summer.
FAQs
Are viola, violet, and pansy flowers edible?
Yes! All three flowers are edible. Violas, violets, and pansies can be used to garnish salads, decorate cakes, or even made into syrups and teas. Their flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and sometimes has a hint of wintergreen, making them a favorite for culinary decoration. However, always ensure the flowers are free from pesticides or harmful chemicals before consuming.
Are viola, violet, and pansy flowers annual or perennial?
Violas: Depending on the variety and climate, violas can be either annuals or short-lived perennials. In many regions, they are grown as annuals.
Violets: Most violets are perennial, returning year after year in the right conditions.
Pansies: Pansies are typically grown as annuals or biennials, although in cooler climates, they can act as short-lived perennials.
Should you deadhead viola, violet, and pansy flowers?
Yes, deadheading these flowers will encourage more blooms and keep the plants looking tidy.
How to deadhead:
> Wait until the flower starts to fade and wilt.
> Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip the flower stem just above the next set of healthy leaves or buds.
> Regularly check for spent blooms, especially during peak growing season, to keep the plant producing new flowers.
By removing the spent flowers, you divert the plant’s energy away from seed production and back into creating new blooms. This practice not only extends the flowering season but also keeps your plants healthy and vibrant.
Can you grow violas, violets, and pansies indoors and outdoors? Is one of the types better suited for indoor or outdoor growing?
Violas: While violas are typically grown outdoors in garden beds or containers, they can also be grown indoors with the right care. They need plenty of bright, indirect light (ideally a sunny window or grow light) and cool temperatures to thrive indoors. However, they tend to perform better outdoors where they can receive cool, fresh air and natural light. Outdoors, they are especially hardy in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring or fall planting.
Violets: True violets, such as Viola odorata, are best suited for outdoor growing. They thrive in shady or woodland garden settings where they can spread naturally. These plants prefer outdoor conditions with rich, moist soil and partial shade, mimicking their natural environment. While they can be grown indoors for short periods, violets are typically happiest outside.
African Violets: Among the three, African violets are the top choice for indoor growing. They are tropical plants that do well in the warm, stable conditions of indoor environments. They need bright, indirect light and consistent humidity, which can be more easily controlled indoors than outdoors. African violets are sensitive to cold and drafts, making them less suited for outdoor growth unless you live in a very warm, tropical climate.
Pansies: Like violas, pansies are best grown outdoors. They prefer cooler weather and plenty of natural sunlight, which can be harder to replicate indoors. While you can temporarily keep pansies indoors in containers, especially as decorative plants, they will likely not thrive as well as they would outdoors in garden beds or pots.
What is a Johnny Jump Up?
A Johnny jump up is a type of viola, specifically Viola tricolor. This charming, small-flowered plant is often referred to as a wild pansy or heartsease. Johnny jump ups are known for their tri-color blooms, which typically feature a combination of purple, yellow, and white. Unlike larger pansies, the blooms of Johnny jump ups are smaller, usually about 1 inch across, and the plants themselves are quite hardy, often surviving light frosts.
The name "Johnny jump up" comes from their tendency to self-seed and spread easily in the garden, often popping up unexpectedly—hence the name, as they seem to "jump up" in new locations from season to season. These cheerful plants are excellent for borders, containers, or as ground cover and bloom prolifically in cooler weather, especially during spring and fall.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Johnny jump ups are also edible and can be used as garnishes or decorations for dishes and desserts. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them a popular choice for edible gardens.
Which are best for indoor and outdoor growing?
Best for Indoors: African violets are the clear winner when it comes to indoor growing. They thrive in stable indoor environments with the right light and humidity.
Best for Outdoors: Violas, true violets, and pansies are more suited for outdoor growing. However, violas and pansies can be kept indoors temporarily with enough light, while violets are better left in their natural outdoor environment.
African violets, violas, and violets each bring their own unique beauty and character to the garden. Whether you’re looking for a resilient ground cover like violas, a fragrant woodland bloom like violets, or a long-blooming indoor superstar like African violets, these plants offer diverse options for gardeners. By understanding their differences in care and growth, you can enjoy a thriving and colorful garden year-round.
