Flowers
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
Sweet Violet
Rich violet coloured, sweetly scented edible flowers produced in early spring. The flowers can be eaten fresh, brightening up salads or soups. Flowers can be crystallized for use on cakes. The young leaves are edible too and can be used in salads.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Height
- 10cm
- Spread
- 15cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow under cover Sep-Nov or Feb-Apr. Sow 2mm deep on very fine soil mixed 90:10 with sand. Keep at ~20°C. If no germination by spring, cold stratify in fridge for 3-4 weeks and return them greenhouse. Once true leaves appear, pot into individual pots. Grow on before transplanting outside. Alternatively sow direct into well prepared seedbed in Mar-Apr, ideally before frosts end, as this will help break dormancy.
Aftercare
Remove faded flowers to encourage further flowering. Will self-seed once established.
Gallery
Ref. SEV007