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Violas are dwarf, compact, free-flowering perennials. They often bloom from March to October, although they may show a tendency to shrivel in the mid summer heat. Violas produce an abundance of dainty, sweet-smelling blooms in evanescent shades: yellow, apricot, blue, scarlet, white and violet. They reseed themselves willingly, & once planted, you seldom need to sow them again unless you wish to add to the myriad selection available. They like full sun, although this is not critical. They can be directly planted in your flower garden or started indoors for transplanting later. For spring blooms, you need to start your them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, them transplant them when they are well started, spaced about 6 inches apart, although they put up with a bit of crowding. You may also sow seeds outdoors early in the season and cover lightly with soil. Violas prefer rich soil with plenty of leaf-mold or well-rotted manure added each spring, although this is not critical. They don't require much feeding - too much encourages soft leafy growth. Water thoroughly once. They are slow to germinate though, so be patient. Once they get started they should grow easily, even if you ignore them. Keep the soil moist, but don't over-water. The only time it is really critical to water, however, is during a drought water once or twice a week then. A good weeding helps them along. Deadhead to encourage more blooms, & to keep them blooming longer & looking tidier.

The Violas are native to the southern hemisphere and you will often find them growing in the wild. Violas and Pansies are closely related. The Viola is generally winter-hardy in temperate zones. Violas are easy & fun to grow & as well as growing them in your garden they look great in window boxes and pots with a mixture of other flowers. They are seldom bothered by insects or disease, although if problems do occur, use repellents or fungicides, preferably organic, as required. Slugs & snails can also be a nuisance.

Recommended varieties: There are a myriad of varieties to choose from to give a lovely show of summer color.
Viola cornuta: This variety flowers from spring to summer. It has faintly scented violet flowers. It includes the white Alba group, the pale blue Boughton Blue group & the Liliacina group which has flowers that are a bit smaller & have narrower petals, making it look more like a wild flower.
Viola Eastgrove Blue Scented: This viola has

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