Imperial Antique Shades – (F1) Viola Seed

New! Attractive mix of pastel and rose shades.
1 1/2–2 1/2" blooms in shades of cream, peach, rose, burgundy, gold, and white. Vigorous and healthy plants. Mildly fragrant blooms. Overwinters well in our unheated tunnel (Zone 5), yielding 15–20" long stems that are perfect for mixing with tulips and daffodils in early spring bouquets. Also known as pansy, Johnny jump-up, European field pansy, heart’s ease, and hybrid violet.

• Edible Flowers: Decorative and edible garnish for salads and desserts with slight wintergreen flavor. While a popular choice for brightening up salad mix, the flowers are also good for candying.

Ht. 8–12". Avg. 29,300 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 4-7 days at 62-68°F (17-20°C)
SOWING: Transplant – Sow 7-9 weeks before planting out. Will tolerate a light frost. Sow 8-9 weeks ahead if blooming in cell packs is desired. Cover seeds lightly. Bottom water or mist to avoid displacing seeds. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside. Violas will tolerate a light frost. In climates with mild winters or in tunnels, violas may be sown late summer to fall. Direct seeding is not recommend.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.
PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.
PLANT SPACING: 6-9".
HARDINESS ZONES: Varies.
HARVEST: Edible flowers – fully open. Cut flowers – stems are long and at least one bloom per stem is open. Deadheading encourages continuous blooms.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Rich, well-drained soil.
USES: Excellent in containers and garden beds. Edible flowers and cut flowers.
Select varieties (see variety descriptions) are suitable for cut flowers under the following conditions; grown from a very early spring planting or an overwintered planting so that well-established plants are coming into flower during the long days and warm temperature of spring and early summer. Long days and warm temperature cause the elongation of stems and profuse flowering that is required for quality cut flower viola.
For compact bedding plants, grow seedlings and young plants at cool temperatures and high light levels to minimize stretching.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Viola spp.
ALTERNATE NAMES: Johnny jump-up, European field pansy, heart’s ease, hybrid violet