Botanical Interests Viola Johnny-Jump-Up

Annual. (Technically a Perennial grown as an Annual. Will over winter in climates as cold as USDA Zone 4.) 4” - 8” tall. Sun or light shade. Blooms spring to early summer and in fall, depending on when seed is sown. ’Johnny-Jump-Up’ has petite ¾” purple and yellow flowers. A classic Viola, nothing is as charming as a patch of ’Johnny-Jump-Ups’ poking their heads above the snow. Violas bloom best during cool weather. When the weather warms up in summer, they tend to get ragged, stretched out, and slow down blooming. They can be sheared back at that time to promote a second period of bloom again the fall, but most gardeners start with fresh plants each season for the best results. Violas also readily reseed, so replanting may be unnecessary. In cold climates, sow in early spring for spring / early summer bloom. Or sow in summer for fall and spring bloom (plants will overwinter). In warm climates, sow in late summer for fall, winter, and spring bloom. Flowers are edible and make a colorful addition to salads. Spring blooming Violas make a nice accent for your spring bulbs. OUTDOORS: Cold climates: sow in early spring (2-4 weeks before last frost) for spring/early summer bloom or summer for fall and spring bloom. (Plants will over winter in between bloom periods.) Warm climates: sow in late summer for fall, winter, and spring bloom. INDOORS: Sow 10-12 weeks before average last spring frost for early spring planting OR early summer for fall planting in both warm and cold climates. SPECIAL GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Even though easy to germinate, Violas do better with stratification, a process of subjecting seeds to moist/cold treatment to break the seeds’ dormancy. Indoors, sow seeds into moistened soil and place in the refrigerator or freezer for about 5 days. Seeds can then be germinated. Viola seed also requires darkness to germinate. Make sure seeds are planted at recommended depth of 1/8”.