More Information
| Botanical Name |
Viola tricolor |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Perennial |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
14 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/16 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
Under 6 in. (15 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
6-9 in. (15-22 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 2b: to -40F, USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade, Light Shade, Partial to Full Shade, Full Shade |
| Danger |
N/A |
| Bloom Color |
Bright Yellow, Purple, White/Near White |
| Bloom Time |
Late Fall/Early Winter, Late Spring/Early Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall, Late Winter/Early Spring |
| Foliage |
Evergreen |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements |
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Propagation Methods |
By dividing the rootball, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
These delicately fragrant flowers are edible and make delightful garnishes. They are very winter hardy and are cheerful surprises in the cool months. Johnny Jump-Ups are tricolored in bright purple, yellow and white. They will re-bloom in fall if cut back in the heat of summer, and grow well in containers.
Sometimes known as 'Heartsease' and 'Love-in-idleness,' this wildflower is native to Spain and the Pyrenees mountains. It is most likely the flower referenced by the fairy king Oberon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream which is said, when applied to the eyelids of a sleeping individual, to make them fall in love with the next creature they see upon awakening.
