Violet Seed Prices and Planting Methods Explained in Detail
The violet is one of Europe's famous flowers, also known as stock, Mathiola, and herb violet, among other names. It is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Matthiola in the family Brassicaceae, native to the Mediterranean coast. It is widely cultivated in large cities in China, and can be planted in gardens or greenhouses for ornamental viewing. It closely resembles the pansy, so the two are easily confused. Let us take a look at violet seed prices and planting methods below!
How much do violet seeds cost?
The price of violet seeds is about 0.5 to 1 yuan per seed, and about 100 to 130 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality and variety. In production, violets are mainly propagated by seed. The flowers are abundant, the colors are bright, the fragrance is rich, the flowering period is long, and the flower spikes are also long, so they are loved by many flower enthusiasts. They are suitable for potted ornamental display, can be used to arrange flower beds, steps, and flower borders, and whole flower spikes can be used as bouquets.
What varieties of violets are there?
1. By height: Violets can be divided by plant height into 3 types: tall, medium, and short. All types can be potted. Medium and short-growing types are used for flower beds, generally 30 to 40 cm tall, while tall-growing types are used for cut flowers, generally 60 to 90 cm tall.
2. By flowering period: Violets can be divided by flowering period into winter violets, spring violets, and summer violets. Winter violets bloom in winter and spring, summer violets bloom in summer, and autumn violets are obtained by hybridizing winter violet and summer violet varieties.
3. By flower form: Violets can be divided by flower form into two strains: single-petaled and double-petaled. In the double-petaled strain, both single-petaled and double-petaled flowers appear after sowing. Although double-petaled flowers have high ornamental value, their stamens and pistils have all become petal-like and cannot set seed; only single-petaled flowers can set seed.
Sowing methods for violets
1. Sowing time: Violets are generally sown from mid-August to early October, and this can also be adjusted according to the desired flowering time. Sown in a greenhouse in February, they bloom in May; 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.
2. Sowing method: Before sowing violets, the potting soil should be relatively moist. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil and do not water again. If within half a month the potting soil dries out, place the pot half-submerged in water so that water enters through the bottom of the pot and moistens the soil. Note that violets should not be sown too densely, otherwise the seedlings are prone to damping-off disease.
3. Post-sowing management: After sowing violet seeds, pay attention to shading. Seedlings emerge in about 15 days. Before the true leaves unfold, the seedlings can be transplanted into a seedling bed at a spacing of 6×8 cm between plants and rows. When pulling up the seedlings, be careful not to damage the fibrous roots and keep a soil ball. Before planting out, apply some base fertilizer to the soil.
How to grow violets
1. Potting up: Transplant violet seedlings early, keeping plenty of the original soil and trying not to damage the root system. Choose a flowerpot corresponding to the size of the plant. For soil, use a culture soil that is loose, fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic.
2. Watering: The amount of water for violets depends on the growing season. In winter and early spring, water only after the potting soil has dried. In summer, when temperatures are high, water more and spray water around the plants frequently. In autumn, as the climate cools, reduce watering accordingly.
3. Sunlight: Violets like ample sunlight, but cannot tolerate direct strong light, nor should they grow for too long under excessively shaded conditions, otherwise this causes few flowers and pale colors or even failure to bloom. For home growing, they can be placed in a bright spot with scattered light and good ventilation.
4. Temperature: Violets like a warm winter, cool summer, and well-ventilated environment. In winter they can withstand a brief low temperature of -5°C. They dislike dry heat. The suitable temperature for flower bud differentiation is 15°C.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a dilute, well-rotted cake fertilizer solution or liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks for violets, but note that nitrogen fertilizer should not be excessive. After flower buds appear, apply 1 to 2 applications of 0.5% superphosphate to make the flower colors brighter.
6. Pruning: For violets, 15 to 20 days after planting out, when the true leaves have increased to 10 and growth is vigorous, keep six or seven true leaves and pinch off the terminal bud. After side branches develop, keep the upper 3 to 4 branches and remove the rest early. After flowering, cut off the spent flowers.
7. Pests and diseases: During cultivation, violets are prone to root rot, crown rot, powdery mildew, aphids, mites, thrips, nematodes, and other damage. Pay attention to ventilation and disinfect the growing medium before use. When the above pests and diseases are found, spray the relevant pesticides promptly for control.