How to: A General Guide To Growing Violet With Coco Peat

A lot about how to grow Violet, with some additional coco peat applications: 

About the Flower:

See more:

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• Coco peat for Chard: Growing Chard With Coco Peat

Brief Infos:

Other names: Sweet Violet, English Violet 

Botanical name: Viola odorata 

Family: Violet (Violaceae) 

Type: Rhizomatous Perennial 

Flowering season: February to March 

Planting season: September to April 

Sowing season: Spring or autumn 

Height: 10-15cm

Spread: 20-30cm

Aspect: Semi-shade 

Hardiness: H6 

Variety consideration:

Viola odorata is the most readily available of the sweet violets, and it is magnificent in every way, being hardy and radiating a delightful aroma. The once-vast range of V. odorata hybrids has shrunk dramatically. 

Some of the best purple kinds, if you can get them, are ‘Queen Charlotte’ (early flowering, floriferous, and strongly scented), ‘The Czar’ (a long-stemmed historic form with a good perfume), and ‘Baronne Alice de Rothschild’ (which has enormous flowers atop long stems and blooms early). There are also white and pink hybrids, although the species varieties (V. odorata ‘Alba’ and ‘Rubra’) are the most common.

If you have a greenhouse, Parma violets are also excellent plants for perfume. In many places in the UK, they are too sensitive to grow outside. 

While Viola odorata is popular, consider other Viola species like Viola cornuta and Viola tricolor for vibrant colors and extended blooming.

About the process of Growing and Sowing Violet:

Growing:

Violets thrive in humus-rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture. Consider planting near woodland edges or hedgerows for inspiration. While they can tolerate full sun if the soil stays moist, partial shade is generally preferred. Avoid using chimney soot mulch due to potential environmental and health concerns. Opt for alternatives like well-aged compost, leaf litter, or bark chips for moisture retention, weed suppression, and temperature regulation.

Lift and divide existing violet clumps every 2 to 4 years in summer or early autumn to ensure an excellent flower show and to produce new plants. Violets will also naturally spread by runner branches, which can be cut and replanted elsewhere in the garden in late spring.  

Sowing:

Viola Odorata seeds can be sown in the spring or early autumn. Refrigerate the seed before sowing it in well-drained trays or modules of soil-based compost and covering it with a very thin coating of compost before putting it in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame. They may not germinate until the next spring. Spring sowing needs stratification through a cold period that mimics winter: place the seedlings in the cold (in the fridge or in an open cold frame outdoors) for 1 to 2 months, then in a warmer setting (about 10°C), such as a greenhouse or windowsill, until they are ready to be planted out.  

If you have ants in your garden, they will disseminate the seed of established violets for you, doing all of the work.

Common diseases and pests: 

Sweet violets are sensitive to pansy leaf spot and powdery mildew, so make sure the plants you acquire do not have black blotches or a powdery white coating on the leaves. Potential pests include the red spider mite and the violet gall midge (damaged areas should be removed and destroyed); nevertheless, the major adversaries are usually slugs and snails, from which seedlings should be protected with your favorite armament.  

The applications of Coco Peat in the growth of Violet Flower:

Violet flowers require its medium to be organic with alot of inert filler- that is coco peat. This growing medium is also decent in water drainage and pretty good in holding them for an extended time.

For the soil mix, use a combination of 60% coco peat, 20% organic compost (manure or another source), and 10% each of perlite and sand. This blend offers good drainage and water retention. Alternatively, consider using a pre-mixed violet potting mix. Here’s why each ingredient is important:

• Coco peat: Improves drainage and aeration, but lacks nutrients.
• Compost: Provides essential nutrients for healthy growth.
• Perlite/sand: Enhances drainage and aeration further.

Remember to fertilize regularly with balanced organic options, as coco peat is low in nutrients.

Benefits of Coco Peat for Violets:

Improved drainage and aeration: 

• Coco peat helps prevent waterlogging and allows roots to breathe, which is crucial for violet health.
• Water retention: Coco peat absorbs and retains moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

*While coco peat offers these benefits, it lacks essential nutrients that violets need for healthy growth. Therefore, amending the coco peat with organic matter like compost is crucial.

Recommended Soil Mix:

• 60% Coco Peat: Provides drainage and aeration.
• 20% Organic Compost (Manure or Alternative): Delivers essential nutrients for growth.
• 10% Perlite/Sand: Further enhances drainage and aeration.

Alternatively: Consider using a pre-mixed violet potting mix, which often incorporates these ingredients in suitable proportions.

Sweet violets, are they edible or poisonous?

Sweet violet blooms are edible and used to flavor sugar, salt, and herb butters, or as a candied or raw adornment on sweets. The roots and leaves of the sweet violet are not harmful either. The blooms yield an aromatic oil that is used in cosmetics and perfumes. Viola odorata’s therapeutic qualities are employed in cough teas and medicinal face washes. In homeopathy, sweet violet is used to treat respiratory illnesses and wrist rheumatism.

End note:

This marks the end of this article. Thanks for reading up till now, we at Coco Coir Global appreciate it. If you have any needs for a coco peat product yourself, check out our website, or contact us directly, we might be able to supply what you need.