Among the many different types of violets, the March violet is certainly one of the best-known representatives of this plant family. After all, this plant has been the subject of numerous myths and legends for many centuries.

The March violet is not only beautiful to look at, it is also edible

The properties of the March violet at a glance

  • Botanical Plant Name: Viola odorata
  • Plant family: Violet family (Violaceae)
  • Height of growth: approx. 5 to 20 cm high
  • Growth habit: persistent/perennial
  • Preferred soil: rich in nutrients and moderately moist
  • Flowering time: March to April (deviations possible depending on weather and location)
  • Flower color: dark violet, more rarely pink or white
  • leaves: basal and long-stalked
  • Propagation: Seed appendage (elaiosome) ensures dispersal by ants, as well as the formation of offshoots
  • preferred location: in the semi-shade
  • Use: as a cut flower, kitchen ingredient and medicinal plant
  • Effects of the ingredients: cough, hoarseness, runny nose
  • Distribution area: from the Mediterranean region to the Caucasus to Iran

The particularly natural charm of the March violets

In nature, sweet violets often grow on the outskirts of settlements, in bushes and along roadsides. But they can also be cultivated well in the garden, as they can multiply well in a suitable location (not least with the help of ants in self-sowing). The flowers of the sweet violet are much less conspicuous than those of the pansy, but that is precisely what makes this ornamental plant, which was cultivated as a cut flower in Germany until around the Second World War, so attractive. In the history of culture, the blossoms of the March violets are symbolic of modesty and humility. According to tradition, Napoleon carried two dried violets in a capsule for romantic reasons. The characteristic fragrance with which these heralds of spring can enrich every garden is also beguiling. This was and is still used for the production of fragrant perfumes.

The March violet in the modern kitchen

In recent years, not only has the use of sweet violets experienced a certain renaissance as a traditional natural medicine, but also the use of the edible flowers in the kitchen. For example, many fresh summer salads and soups can be given the finishing touch with a few artistically draped violet blossoms. Violet blossoms can also be candied with sugar and used as an artistic decoration for cakes and other desserts.

tips

If you want to collect the flowers of the sweet violets for use in the kitchen, you should do this either in your own garden or in more remote locations. The growth of violets that is often found along the way is not uncommonly soiled by people walking dogs or traffic.

Category:

Indoor plants