How to Grow Viola in Australia
A cool-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing Viola rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/punnet on edible flowers. Plants produce for months.
This guide covers when to plant Viola 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
Viola is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Johnny Jump Up (Heartsease)
Tiny purple-yellow-white tricolour flowers. Self-seeds everywhere. The original wild pansy.
Try: Yates, Mr Fothergill's, Eden Seeds, Bunnings
Sorbet Mixed
Compact violas in a wide colour range. Prolific flowers perfect for edible garnish.
Try: Mr Fothergill's, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Viola part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 15cm+, 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 15 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 18 degrees.
Viola tricolor and Viola x wittrockiana. Edible pansies and violas. Flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavour. Plant in cool season for months of flowers. Deadhead regularly. Self-seeds freely. Brilliant edible garnish in every climate from Darwin to Hobart.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 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 Aphids and Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Powdery mildew. 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
Viola is typically ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months). Pick flowers fresh and use within 1-2 days. Crystallised flowers store for weeks.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, viola is good used as edible garnish on cakes and desserts, frozen into ice cubes, crystallised with sugar and tossed into salads for colour. Nutritionally: contain antioxidants and vitamin C and traditional herbal remedy.
Companion Planting
Viola grows well alongside Lettuce and Strawberry. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Viola Growing
Add viola 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 Viola in Australia?
Viola is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Viola take to grow?
Viola is generally ready to harvest in around 70 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Viola in a pot?
Yes. Viola grows well in a container of 15cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Viola need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Viola in the Plant Library
