Sweet Violet
Viola odorata • Violaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower / Herb
🌍 Origin Region
Europe and Northern Africa; widely naturalized in North America and Australasia
📅 Days to Maturity
200-300 days from seed to bloom (flowers in the second year when sown from seed). Harvest flowers in spring.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9; Herbaceous perennial.
About This Seed
Small, oval-to-rounded seeds approximately 2-3mm in length, reddish-brown to tan in color with a smooth, slightly glossy surface. They are produced in a three-valved dehiscent capsule. The plant is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant five-petaled purple or white flowers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Plant in late summer or fall for early spring blooms; prefers cool weather and can be frost-tolerant
Germination
7-21 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Seeds often benefit from a period of cold stratification (4 weeks) to break dormancy. Requires darkness to germinate; cover seeds completely with soil.
Planting Instructions
Planting depth: 1/8 inch deep. Spacing: 6-8 inches apart. Prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Mix in compost before planting.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial shade to full shade; requires consistent moisture especially in summer. Not drought tolerant; wilts in high heat.
Companion Plants
Beneficial alongside ferns, hostas, and bleeding hearts; avoid planting with aggressive groundcovers that might outcompete the low foliage.
Special Characteristics
Highly fragrant flowers used in perfumes and confectionery; edible flowers; pollinator-friendly (early nectar source); attractive to ants due to elaiosomes (seed appendages).