Growing Violets

Growing violets is relatively easy and can be done both indoors and outdoors. Also these beautiful plants are packed with antioxidants!

Here are some general steps for growing violets:

1. Choose a planting location: Violets prefer a location that is shaded or partly shaded. They also like moist, well-drained soil. If you are growing them indoors, choose a spot near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
2. Prepare the soil: If you are planting violets in the ground, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility. If you are growing them in containers, use a potting mix that is well-draining.
3. Plant the violets: Plant the violets at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots. Water thoroughly after planting.
4. Water and fertilize: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize violets once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
5. Prune and deadhead: To keep violets blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. You can also trim back leggy or straggly growth to encourage bushier growth.
6. Protect from pests and diseases: Violets can be susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and take action promptly.

By following these general steps, you should be able to successfully grow violets.

Violet’s leaves are a traditional nutritive spring tonic, high in vitamin A and C and soluble fiber. They are heart-friendly, as they are full of antioxidants and their soluble fiber helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body (similar to oatmeal).

I enjoy them in salads, stir-fries, quiche, and as an ingredient in wild greens pesto. They can be added to soups as a healthy thickener. Medicinally, violet leaves are a traditional cleansing herb and remedy for dry hacking cough, as the demulcent (mucilaginous) leaves are soothing to irritated mucus membranes. They can be eaten or prepared as tea.