Viola, Johnny-Jump Up

How to Sow

Sow outdoors in full sun to part shade in early spring in the North, in fall in the South. Sow seeds evenly about 6" apart and cover with 1/4" of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.

How to Grow

Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. Violas prefer cool, moist soil and partial shade or full sun and require very little maintenance once established in the garden. Johnny jump-ups can be cut back in midsummer as they get scraggly, which encourages new growth and reblooming when cool temperatures return in the fall. Propogate by division in spring or fall, or Sow seeds in fall or early spring in pots and set them in a protected location outdoors.

Harvesting

Add violas to mixed plantings with low-growing perennials. They are pretty good groundcovers, excellent under deciduous trees, and can be used alone or with other plants such as ajugas and common periwinkle. Use Johnny jump-ups anywhere you need an extra touch of color in spring-among other edging plants, with spring bulbs, in containers, and mixed beds and borders. Flowers are edible and can be added to salads or used to garnish plates. All violas can be grown in containers.