A Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Steps for Viola (Viola cornuta)

SummaryLight requirements: Viola has low light requirements and can grow normally even in shady spots. Soil requirements: It is best to choose slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5-6.5. Growing temperature: The optimal growing temperature is 10-15°C. Watering at the right time: It generally needs little water, but needs more water during the flowering period. Reasonable fertilization: Apply nitrogen fertilizer when the seedlings grow tender leaves, and later apply potassium fertilizer and other trace elements. Pest and disease control: Controlling the soil pH can reduce the incidence of disease.

I. Light Requirements

1. Viola originates from Europe, where the latitude is relatively high and the light is not very strong, and Viola itself is less sensitive to light than tropical and subtropical flowers, so even in shady spots its normal growth will not be affected.

2. Viola actually quite likes sunlight. If it gets plenty of light regularly, Viola will grow many branches.

II. Soil Requirements

1. Viola is suitable for growing in slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5-6.5. It requires soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter.

2. Before sowing, you can mix peat and perlite in a 1:1 ratio. The soil must be kept moist.

III. Growing Temperature

1. Because Viola originates from the high-latitude regions of Europe, where the temperature is relatively low, Viola is quite cold-tolerant and can even withstand light frost. Viola grown in warm regions such as the south can safely survive a winter.

2. Viola is not suitable for planting in places where the temperature is too high. The best temperature is 10-15°C, and above 30°C it cannot grow normally.

IV. Watering at the Right Time

1. Because Viola generally grows in cool, shady environments, water evaporates relatively slowly, so it does not need to be watered too much.

2. During Viola's flowering period, its water demand rises somewhat, because the temperature begins to rise again and water evaporates relatively quickly, and also because flowering requires energy, so more water is consumed.

3. Especially after the Spring Festival, when the temperature rises back to 12-20°C, it needs to be watered once a day to ensure Viola has the water it needs for flowering.

V. Reasonable Fertilization

1. Viola is generally grown by sowing. Once the seedlings grow tender leaves, you can begin fertilizing. You can use 50-75% nitrogen fertilizer, and later gradually increase the concentration to 100% according to its growth.

2. Later, potassium fertilizer should be supplemented appropriately, and a trace element solution should also be sprayed to supplement iron and magnesium.

VI. Pest and Disease Control

Do not plant Viola in places with pests. Viola's insect pests include aphids, red spider mites, thrips and other pests, and common diseases include leaf ring spot and downy mildew. Controlling the soil pH well can also effectively reduce the incidence of disease.