Violets… Whether the violet-blue sweet violets, the lavender-colored forest violets, the colorful horned violets or other types - these plants are simply enchanting! Since they are extremely easy to care for, it is worth planting them yourself or sowing them from seeds.
Violets sow themselves
Characteristics of violet seeds
You can buy violet seeds in specialist shops or harvest them yourself. Either way - the seeds of different types of violets have the following characteristics:
- round to ovate
- light to dark colored
- smooth surface
- contain a lot of endosperm
- contain a straight embryo with two thick cotyledons
- cold germinator
- light germinator
The seeds are in the capsule fruits. These have three valves that open when ripe and reveal the seeds. Depending on the type and flowering time, violet fruits reach maturity between March and June.
How are the seeds sown?
The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in the safety of your home, for example in a seed tray. The results are considered more resistant and vigorous compared to the results of other propagation methods. The best period for sowing is between August and March.
For cultivation in a seed tray, you should first fill the container with a nutrient-poor substrate. Purchased seeds do not need to be stratified before sowing. Seeds from your own harvest should have been exposed to a temperature below 5 °C for at least 2 weeks.
The seeds are distributed on the ground, pressed or covered with a thin layer of soil. They are kept moist for the following weeks. The germination time is 14 to 18 days at an ideal germination temperature of 18 °C. Later, the plants can be pricked out and placed in their final location.
Violets tend to self-seed
Those who are too lazy to sow the seeds do not necessarily have to do without more specimens of violets. Viola seeds are commonly spread by ants. They like to seed themselves even without ants. The ants find the fruiting bodies, carry them around, and often get an appetite for them along the way. Leave the seeds.
tips and tricks
Do not be surprised: Many violets flower very late or not at all after sowing in the first year (only in the second year). Patience is required here.