Lyla Lindsey
Growing violets in Australia is a relatively simple process. The Viola odorata, or sweet violet, is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of ways and locations. It is a versatile plant that can be grown in containers, near water sources, or under larger shrubs and perennials. With fragrant blooms in a range of colours, from purple to white to pink, and a rich history of medicinal and culinary uses, it is no wonder that violets are a beloved addition to gardens across Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Viola odorata |
| Common names | Sweet Violet, Woodland Violet, Australian Native Violet, Wild Violet |
| Plant type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height | 10-12 cm |
| Spread | 12-60 cm |
| Leaf shape | Heart-shaped, broadly ovate, kidney-shaped |
| Leaf colour | Mid to dark green |
| Flower colour | Purple, white, pink, apricot, mauve, yellow |
| Flower type | Single or double flowering |
| Soil type | Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter |
| Light | Shade, dappled shade, sunlight |
| Temperature | Cooler climates |
| Propagation | Seeds, division of established plants, separation of small plants from parent plant |
| Uses | Ground cover, lawn substitute, medicine, cosmetics, food |
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What You'll Learn
Violet varieties and colours
There are around 400 types of violet plants in the genus Viola. The Viola Odorata, also known as Sweet Violet, is a popular variety native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. It is extensively cultivated in Australia and is often sold as small potted plants in nurseries. Sweet Violet is a small herbaceous perennial that grows to about 10-12 cm in height and spreads 12-60 cm. It has heart-shaped, mid to dark green leaves and sweet-scented, deep purple flowers that bloom from autumn to early spring. The purple colour is considered classic, but Sweet Violets can also come in white, pink, apricot, and mauve. They are often grown as ornamental plants and have a long history of use in traditional medicine and cosmetics.
Another variety of violet native to Australia is the Viola Banksii, also known as Native Violet. It has small white flowers with purple markings and heart-shaped mid-green leaves. This variety is a hardy and useful spreading ground cover for shady areas. It spreads by underground runners and can cover large areas under suitable conditions. Native Violet is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily propagated by digging up a section of the plant with roots and replanting it elsewhere.
Wild violets (Viola Odorata) are also commonly grown in Australia and are known for their heart-shaped leaves and purple-blue flowers. Some varieties feature white or yellow blooms. They are resilient plants that can be grown in various conditions and are often used as ground cover or accents around trees and water sources. Wild violets are edible and rich in vitamins, making them a unique addition to salads or desserts.
While violets come in a range of colours, from purple and white to pink and apricot, they are united by their fragrant flowers and versatility in the garden. Whether you choose Sweet Violet, Native Violet, or Wild Violet, these plants are a charming and low-maintenance addition to any Australian garden.
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Soil type and preparation
Violets are versatile and can be grown in various soil types, though they have their preferences. Wild violets thrive in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate many soil types, but free-draining sandy or light soils are preferred and will yield ideal results.
Before planting, it is good to prepare the soil by digging in some compost and manure to improve its quality. If you have very sandy soil, adding some clay will help, while heavier clay soils may benefit from adding gypsum. Once the violets are planted, water them with OCP eco-seaweed to help them establish faster, and mulch with sugarcane mulch.
Violets love rich, fertile soil that remains moist but is not waterlogged. They prefer shady conditions, which makes them ideal for growing under larger shrubs and perennials. They are unfazed by frost and can handle full sun in cooler climates. Over time, violets will spread to form a dense ground cover. They often require sunlight to flower well, and full sun will encourage heavy flowering from autumn to spring.
Violets are resilient and can survive in a wide range of conditions. They are easy to grow and will even pop back to life once conditions improve if they have encountered harder growing conditions.
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Planting and propagation
Violets are easy to grow and can be planted almost any time during spring and fall, although early spring is preferable. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. They are versatile and can be grown in a variety of soil types, but they prefer rich, moist, and shaded locations with well-draining soil. Sandy or light soils are ideal, but if the soil is too sandy, add some clay. In heavy clay soil, add gypsum. Before planting, dig in some compost and manure to improve the soil.
Violets can be grown from seeds or by separating small plants from the parent plant. Seeds can be sown in fall either indoors or in a cold frame. They can also be propagated by dividing established plants in spring or fall. To do this, dig up a section of the plant with roots attached and replant it in the desired location. The original plant will regrow. Violets can also be purchased as small potted plants from nurseries and cut into several sections to create a 'lawn'.
Violets are resilient and low-maintenance, but they will flower better if fertilized every 2-4 weeks. They can also be grown indoors and make excellent ground cover, especially in woodland gardens. They are not affected by frost and can handle full sun in cooler climates.
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Maintenance and fertilisation
Violets are easy to grow and require very little care. They are tough plants and can survive on neglect. However, flowering will be significantly better if fertilised every 2-4 weeks with a combination of OCP eco-aminogro and OCP eco-seaweed. In addition, top-dress the bed every spring with a layer of compost, especially if your soil is poor. Before planting, dig in some compost and manure to improve the soil. In very sandy soils, add some clay as well. In heavy clay soil, the addition of gypsum may be helpful. Once planted, water in with OCP eco-seaweed to help the violets establish faster and mulch with sugarcane mulch.
Violets are usually trouble-free if grown in temperate climates with adequate shade and moisture. However, some problems can occur when conditions are less than ideal. For example, spider mites are most commonly seen when violets are growing in hot, dry conditions. If this happens, move the plants to a cooler position or increase the watering. Spray with OCP eco-neem, ensuring very good coverage, especially under the leaves. Aphids are another potential issue – this sap-sucker will seemingly appear in large numbers overnight. Spray with OCP eco-neem and again aim for good coverage of foliage. Finally, powdery mildew is usually a fungal problem that occurs when violets are grown in humid climates.
Violets can be planted almost any time throughout spring and fall, though early spring is preferable. They can be grown from seed or by separating the small plants from the parent plant. They enjoy light shade but will also thrive in sunny locations. While they tolerate many soil types, violets prefer soil that is moist, yet well-draining, and rich in organic matter. When growing violets, other than watering following planting and occasional watering throughout the growing season, wild violet flowers require very little care. These resilient little plants tend to take care of themselves. If desired, cutting the flower stalks back can help alleviate problems with spurting seeds.
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Common pests and diseases
African violets are mostly pest and disease-free. However, there are some common pests and diseases that can affect them. Here are some issues you may encounter when growing African violets:
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and leave a fine webbing. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. If you notice their presence, keep the plants well-watered and spray with water or insecticidal soap to dislodge and control them. Cyclamen mites, in particular, love fresh new growth at the centre of the plant. Leaves and flower buds may become twisted and misshapen. If you suspect cyclamen mites, isolate the plant from others and remove the affected growth, disposing of it carefully and washing your hands after handling to avoid spreading the mites. Spray with warm soapy water, monitor, and repeat treatments as needed.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal problem that usually occurs when violets are grown in humid climates. Remove badly infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. If the mildew persists, spray with an organic fungicide. Mildew occurs in stale air, so it's important to create an environment with warm, fresh, and circulating air.
Crown Rot
Crown rot can occur if African violets are overwatered or left sitting in a pool of water. Unfortunately, it is often fatal, and the best approach is to remove the entire plant and start again with a new one.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can appear in large numbers overnight. They feed on the plant and excrete a sugary waste, leaving a sticky, sometimes black, coating on the leaves. Control them by spraying with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a suitable indoor plant insecticide, and aim for good coverage of the foliage.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails feed on the leaves and flowers of violets, leaving irregular holes and slimy trails. Handpick them at night or use natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells, or copper barriers around the plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Violets grow well in rich, moist soil that has some organic matter and is well-draining. They prefer shaded spots, making them ideal for growing under larger shrubs and perennials, but they also require some sunlight to flower well.
Violets can be planted almost any time throughout spring and fall, but early spring is preferable.
Violets are low-maintenance plants that can often take care of themselves. However, for better flowering, it is recommended to fertilize every 2-4 weeks.
Yes, violets can become invasive if not controlled with some type of barrier. They spread through underground rhizomes and can pop up in unexpected locations.
Yes, both the leaves and flowers of violets are edible and can be added to salads or used to decorate cakes and desserts. They are also rich in vitamins.
