When Does the Violet Bloom? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods

The violet, also known as Sitake, grass osmanthus, grass violet, and wealth flower, is a relatively common ornamental flower. Its appearance is somewhat similar to the pansy, and the two are easily confused. Violets are suitable for pot cultivation or planting in courtyards, and they are grown in many places in southern China. So when does the violet generally bloom? What are the planting methods?

I. When does the violet generally bloom?

Like many kinds of fresh flowers, the violet blooms in spring, generally from April to May. However, because the sowing time of artificially cultivated violets is not fixed, the flowering period is also variable. Generally speaking, violets sown in a greenhouse must first go through a growth period of 3 to 5 months before they bloom, but there are exceptions. Affected by climatic factors, violets sown in July need to wait until February of the following year to bloom.

II. What are the planting methods for violets?

1. Variety: Choose short, double-petaled varieties. At the seedling stage, choose seedlings with light-colored leaves, an oval shape, and wavy edges.

2. Sowing time: Violets are suitable for sowing from mid-August to early October. In production, this can also be adjusted according to the time the flowers are needed. If sown in a greenhouse in February, they can bloom in May; if sown in March, they bloom in June; but if sown in July, they must wait until February to March of the following year to bloom.

3. Sowing method: Violets must not be planted too densely. The potting soil should preferably be fairly moist. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil and do not water again. If the potting soil dries out within half a month, place the pot half-submerged in water so that water enters from the bottom of the pot and moistens the soil.

4. Post-sowing management: After sowing, shade the potting soil. Generally, seedlings emerge in about 15 days. When thinning the seedlings, be careful not to damage the roots and keep a soil ball around them. Apply base fertilizer to the soil before planting out.

5. Flowerpot: For the flowerpot used, a large pot with a diameter of about 25 cm is most suitable.

6. Growing medium: For pot cultivation, a growing medium made by mixing 1/3 each of leaf mold, peat soil, and sandy soil can be used. In sterilized, loose, fertile growing medium, apply base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot, and plant 3 plants per pot.

7. Light: Violets prefer a semi-shaded environment. They must not be too shaded, otherwise the violets will produce too few flowers or no flowers at all; if the light is too strong, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to dry out and be damaged.

8. Temperature: A temperature of 18°C-24°C is most suitable. When the temperature exceeds 27°C, it will cause poor growth in violets and a lack of water. In late autumn and early winter, move potted violets indoors for cultivation, otherwise they will be frostbitten.

9. Water and fertilizer: Water thoroughly and place in a cool, dark spot. After 3-4 days, they can be placed in a well-ventilated, sunny spot. Water moderately, and do not splash it onto the leaves, otherwise it will cause the leaves to rot.

During the growth period, apply a thin, fully decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound chemical fertilizer once every 7-10 days. When fertilizing, keep the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied at 1:1:1. After the plant produces flower buds, apply somewhat more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and the flowers will be large and brightly colored.

10. Pinching: When the plant has grown about 9 leaves, it needs to be pinched to promote branching. When the plant grows to 40 cm, it needs a thin bamboo pole for support.

11. Seed collection: For those kept for seed, collect the seeds in time when the siliques turn yellow but before they split open.