How to Grow Native Violet in Australia
A year-round flower crop for the home garden
Growing your own Native Violet is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Free edible flowers once established. Replaces expensive store-bought edible flowers.
This guide covers when to plant Native Violet in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Native Violet is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Native Violet
Standard form. White flowers with purple centre. Spreading groundcover for shade.
Try: Daleys, local native nurseries, Bunnings (sometimes)
Position and Soil
Give Native Violet a shaded or dappled spot. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 21 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 22 degrees.
Viola hederacea. Delicate white-and-purple edible flowers on a spreading native groundcover. Perfect for shaded borders, between pavers, and under trees. Spreading mat-former. Flowers almost year-round in mild climates. One of the most accessible bush foods for home gardens.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Snails. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Native Violet is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Use flowers fresh within 1-2 days. Plants produce year-round.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, native violet is good flowers used as edible garnish, crystallised for cake decoration, added to salads whole and frozen into ice cubes for drinks. Nutritionally: edible flowers with mild sweet flavour and attracts native pollinators.
Companion Planting
Native Violet grows well alongside Native plants and Ferns. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Native Violet Growing
Add native violet to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Native Violet in Australia?
Native Violet is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Native Violet take to grow?
Native Violet is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Native Violet in a pot?
Yes. Native Violet grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Native Violet need?
Give it a shaded or dappled spot for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Native Violet in the Plant Library
