Wish you could find a flower that would bloom outside in your containers ALL WINTER LONG?
Violas are magic cottage-style flowers that offer cute, pixie blooms and endless color, even in the winter.
Not only do they provide blooms in the winter (Zones 6-10), they are also gorgeous in the fall and spring.
I plant them every fall, enjoy them through the winter, then watch them explode with color in the spring. I get 8-9 months of blooms out of them.
They shake off a good frost like it’s pixie dust. A layer of snow freezes them up a bit…then they thaw out and keep doing their thing!
For more ideas on the best flowers to plant in a container for winter, see my blog HERE. Ill share with you my favorites!
(For more info on how to grow pansies in containers for winter, see my blog HERE.)
But honestly, there is very little difference in the way you plant and grow pansies and violas.
The rose-colored flower is a viola. The pale yellow flower is a pansy. Truth is, all pansies are in the viola family.
The sweet bloom sits on one green stem that looks like it is jumping out of the soil as if it is on its tiptoes.
Look how cute my mom’s violas are! You can see why they are also called ‘Johnny Jump-Ups.’
The truth is, if you know how to grow pansies, you know how to grow violas. And vice-versa.
Let me give you some tips on how I grow violas in containers in this blog so you can have gorgeous little flowers in winter.
Ill also give you 8 steps on how to plant violas in containers and how to care for them in fall, winter, and spring. Like I said, ALL MY TIPS!
Violas are one of the most delightful flowers you can grow in pots and containers. With their charming faces and range of bright colors, these compact plants bring joy to patios porches and small spaces.
Caring for violas in pots is easy. Give them sun, well-drained soil, even moisture and regular feeding, and they’ll reward you with months of continuous color.
This complete guide shares viola growing tips, secrets for non-stop blooms, and how to keep them thriving in containers from season to season.
An Overview of Violas for Pots
Violas (Viola spp.) are low-growing, mounding plants in the violet family. They produce abundant blooms in shades of purple, yellow, white, red, orange, blue and bicolor.
Common types of violas include
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Pansies – The most popular viola with large, 2 to 3 inch single or bicolor flowers.
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Violets – Dainty violas with smaller blooms in purple, blue yellow and white.
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Johnny Jump Ups – Mini violas with velvety blooms in a mix of hues.
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Tufted Violas – Mounding plants with 11⁄2 inch flowers above rosettes of foliage.
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Trailing Violas – Spreading violas perfect for cascading over pot edges.
Violas bloom primarily during cool weather in early spring and late fall. But with proper care, they’ll flower nonstop from spring through fall in the right climate.
These compact plants thrive in pots 8 to 12 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. Violas also combine beautifully with other container plants.
Choosing the Right Pot for Violas
Picking the proper container sets your violas up for success:
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Drainage – Be sure pot has holes to prevent soggy soil. Self-watering pots work great.
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Size – An 8 to 12 inch wide pot fits one viola. Use wider pots for multiple plants.
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Depth – Minimum of 6 inches deep for the roots. Deeper pots provide insulation.
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Weight – Heavy pots like clay or concrete offer stability and insulation.
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Material – Clay, plastic, concrete, wood and metal pots all work.
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Design – Match your decor, or make a bold statement!
Growing Violas in Pots
Follow these tips when planting violas in containers:
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Use well-draining potting mix, or amend garden soil with compost.
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Plant violas spaced 6 to 12 inches apart depending on pot size.
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Set plant at same soil level as in nursery pot to prevent rot.
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Water thoroughly after planting to remove air pockets.
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Add slow release fertilizer to the soil for healthy growth.
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Place pot in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
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Pinch off spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
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Move potted violas to partial shade in hot summer climates.
Caring for Violas to Maximize Blooms
Proper viola care encourages prolific flowering:
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Water – Water when the top 1 inch of soil dries. Avoid wet feet.
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Fertilize – Use balanced liquid or slow release fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks.
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Groom – Deadhead faded blooms back to a leaf node to prolong blooming.
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Prune – Cut back leggy plants halfway to force new compact growth.
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Sunlight – Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun, more is better.
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Temperature – Ideal range is 60 to 70°F. Protect from summer heat.
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Overwinter – In warm zones, violas may survive winter if protected from cold.
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Divide – Dividing overcrowded violas in spring revitalizes the plants.
How to Keep Violas Blooming All Season
Violas are champions at providing nonstop color. Here’s how to enjoy their flowers for months on end:
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Start with healthy plants and nurture their roots to establish quickly.
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Plant in early spring to get color ASAP or in fall in warm winter areas.
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Place pot where it will get maximum sunlight and protection from harsh summer sun.
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Water and fertilize regularly to feed fast growth and plentiful blooms.
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Deadhead religiously to prevent plants from going to seed and stopping flowers.
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In summer, move pots to shade and cut back leggy plants to restart flowering.
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In colder zones, replace with pansies in fall to bridge the seasons with color.
Creative Ways to Showcase Potted Violas
Violas look lovely massed in pots or paired with other flowers. Enhance their beauty and enjoyment with these creative ideas:
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Plant trailing violas in hanging baskets or tall urns for cascading color.
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Use different viola colors and varieties together for a vibrant effect.
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Mix violas with cool weather annuals like snapdragons and ornamental kale.
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Line walkways or steps with pots of violas for a colorful welcome.
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Place violas in decorative cachepots or on plant stands at different heights.
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Bring viola pots indoors to enjoy their beauty inside too.
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Float viola flowers in drinks, use as cake decorations or crystallize them.
Troubleshooting Common Viola Problems
Violas are mostly trouble-free, but may occasionally suffer issues like:
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Rot – Improve drainage and water less frequently.
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Powdery mildew – Increase air circulation and reduce watering.
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Leaf spots – Remove affected foliage and treat with fungicides if needed.
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Leggy growth – Prune back and fertilize to stimulate new compact growth.
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Poor flowering – Move to a sunnier location and fertilize regularly.
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Pests – Watch for aphids and slugs. Remove by hand or use organic sprays.
Bring Cheerful Color to Your Patio with Violas
With their sweet little faces and diversity of bright colors, violas are one of the best choices for nonstop color in patio pots and containers.
By following these viola growing and care tips, you’ll have amazing blooms spring through fall, even through winter in warm climates.
Violas are easy to grow, require minimal care and provide maximum impact. So grab some pots and viola transplants and enjoy their beauty surrounding your outdoor living space!
Temperature and Humidity
Violas love the cool weather of early spring, and thrive in milder temperatures from 40℉ to 70℉. Mulch and water will help offset the stress of high temperatures.
With proper care, violas may bloom all summer and most will bloom again in the fall. Or, particularly in hot, southern climates, remove and replace them with another flower during the summer and then planet them again when cooler weather returns in the fall.
Types of Violas
Technically there is no difference between violas and pansies, but there are many more types of violas within the genus that go by different common names. They include:
- Viola x wittrockiana: Also known as the familiar garden pansy, this hybrid is a short-lived perennial or biennial with larger flowers, but its usually grown as an annual in colder climates. Plants grow about 8 inches tall and have 2- to 3-inch flowers that are be single-colored or patterned. This is the most popular of the violas, with dozens of different cultivars available. It works well in pots and baskets.
- Viola tricolor: More commonly known as Johnny-jump-up, this is a small plant that is one of the genetic parents of pansies. Some hybrid pansies will revert to Johnny-jump-ups as the dropped seeds sprout up as volunteer seedlings. In the garden, it is often used as an edging plant or as a filler.
- Viola sororia: Widely known as the wild blue violet, it is native to wooded areas and often finds its way to cultivated gardens and turf lawns where it is usually regarded as a weed—unless deliberately encouraged in native woodland gardens.
- Viola cornuta: Known as the tufted or horned violet, it resembles the pansy but with a smaller flower. These are spreading perennials with 1 1/2-inch two-toned flowers above a rosette of leaves growing 6 to 10 inches tall.
How to Care for Pansies in Pots
FAQ
How do you keep violas blooming?
Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They can tolerate some drought but will bloom best with regular watering.
Do violas need full sun or shade?
Light: Violas are tolerant of most conditions, yet will thrive in full sun or part shade especially during the spring, yet will easily fade in full sun during …
Do violas do well in containers?
Violas are remarkably versatile and suit a range of garden situations. They look lovely in pots, whether potted as a collection of individual varieties (as you might do with auriculas), or mixed together. You can also combine them with other plants in mixed containers.
Do you deadhead violas?
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Remove the entire flower stalk:When deadheading, remove the entire flower stalk down to the base where it sprouted.
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Do it regularly:Deadhead violas frequently, at least once a week, for best results.
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Encourage new growth:Deadheading at the base of the bloom, above a leaf cluster, can help encourage the plant to continue blooming.
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Consider the location:If your violas are in a large area, like a commercial planting, you might not need to deadhead as frequently, but they may still benefit from additional fertilizer (low in nitrogen).
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Cut back in late summer:You may also want to cut back your violas in late summer to encourage further flowering.
Do violas grow in pots?
Cascading Types – Some trailing violas are stunning draping over container edges. Design Flexibility – Violas complement any other plants, flowers or decor in potted arrangements. Violas thrive in pots of all shapes, sizes and materials. Follow these tips when selecting containers: Size – For one viola plant, use a pot 8-12 inches wide.
How do you care for a viola in a pot?
Caring for violas in containers focuses on providing the right amount of sun, water and fertilizer. Here are viola pot care tips: Violas need at least 6 hours of sun per day. More sun equals more flowers! Rotate pots to encourage even growth. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Water when top inch of soil dries out.
How do you care for a viola plant?
Here are viola pot care tips: Violas need at least 6 hours of sun per day. More sun equals more flowers! Rotate pots to encourage even growth. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Water when top inch of soil dries out. Add water until it drains from the pot bottom. Feed violas every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season.
How do you grow viola plants in a pot?
The first step to growing viola plants in a pot is selecting the right container. Violas have shallow roots, so choose a pot that is wide rather than deep. A pot with a diameter of at least 6-8 inches should be sufficient for most viola varieties. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
How big should a viola pot be?
Size – For one viola plant, use a pot 8-12 inches wide. For three plants, a 12-16 inch wide pot. Depth – At least 6-8 inches deep to accommodate viola roots. Drainage – Be sure pot has drainage holes to prevent wet soil. Material – Clay, plastic, wood, concrete and metal pots all work well.
Do violas need a container?
They don’t appreciate a hot sun beaming down on them for more than four or five hours a day. Planting violets in containers allows you to cater to the pretty flowers’ needs without too much headache. A container of just about any size is suitable for your violas, so long as it’s a minimum of four inches deep.