Johnny Jump Up Viola Seeds

Known officially as Viola Tricolour and sometimes also called Wild Pansy, from the French word pensée, ‘’thought,’’ it is the progenitor of the cultivated pansy. This long-time popular edible flower is originally native to the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. The plant spread wildly over Europe a long time ago, mentioned many times in archaeological records, as the ancient Greeks and Chinese used it as medicine, and the Celts and Romans made perfume out of the flowers. The name comes from the quick spring growth and appearing to jump up. No one seems to know the identity of the true ‘’Johnny,’’ but the name seems to originate from the East Coast of the U.S. sometime during the late 1700s.

Viola Johnny Jump Up is a very low-maintenance plant that can bloom over a long time, from spring until fall if the blooms are deadheaded. The tiny stemless plants grow to about 15 cm tall and produce an abundance of tiny 1-2 cm lavender-yellow-white flowers. Viola Johnny Jump Up is the only annual in the violet species that produces hermaphrodite flowers that are self-fertile, pollinated by bees. It tends to multiply quite a bit in the right conditions, so it is best planted in large areas where it is free to spread. It is so tough that it can sustain light foot traffic. Very easy to grow in containers, they make for a showy display on your patio or balcony. The colourful edible flowers are excellent fresh on salads, summer dishes, gourmet desserts and they are also delightful when candied and used as a garnish.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Violas are an excellent cool climate flower. They’re perfectly content starting and ending the season in cold weather. In warm climates, violas should be planted in the fall and planted in the spring in cold regions.

Seeds can be started indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds in flats of pots and cover lightly but completely with soil. They will need the dark to germinate. Water well and set in a warm space, around 21 degrees, and keep moist. After germination in 10-14 days, set them in a sunny location or under lights. Thin them out when the first true leaves appear. As the weather warms outside, they can be set out to harden off.

It works better in regions with long growing seasons, but seeds can also be sown directly into the garden. Prepare the bed with some compost. Loosen the soil, sow the seeds and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the bed moist and thin seedlings to 15-20 cm apart. Seedlings can be relocated and transplanted elsewhere in the garden.

Violas prefer full sun, but not if it brings too much heat. Afternoon shade in the summer is ideal. Moist soil with plenty of organic material is the best situation for violas. They can tolerate some drought periods and should dry out in between waterings, but they bloom the best with regular waterings. Temperatures within the range of 5-21 degrees is optimal weather for growth and steady blooming. Violas will typically bloom 12-14 weeks after starting from seed. They have the tendency to stop producing flowers or die back during hot summer months.

Add mulch and frequent water to help them withstand the summer heat. Deadhead constantly as the blooms come and go. Violas will thrive in woodland settings and can be effectively mixed in with other cool weather flowers like snapdragons and calendula. Pop them in between tulips and daffodils to add colour after the spring bulbs fade. Violas' durable nature makes them great for containers, hanging baskets and window boxes. In colder regions, they’ll bloom from spring straight through the fall. 

QUICK FACTS

- Wild Pansy was mentioned by the ancient Romans as being a white flower before it was struck by one of Cupid’s arrows.

- Quite a mythological flower, it was the main ingredient in the love potion of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

- Wild Pansies have been cultivated for medicinal purposes for a long time, as it is said to treat rheumatism, respiratory problems, epilepsy and eczema.

- Viola seeds will remain viable for 1 year if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.