What is the difference between Viola cornuta and pansy? A detailed guide to Viola cornuta sowing time
In the colorful world of flowers, the horned violet (Viola cornuta) stands out with its unique charm and has become a favorite of many gardening enthusiasts.
The horned violet belongs to the genus Viola in the family Violaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial that is often grown as an annual. Its plants are dainty and compact, usually only 10to30cm tall, giving it a neat and orderly look. The leaves are alternate, either ovate or lanceolate, with serrated edges, and the foliage is dark green and soft in texture. The flowers of the horned violet are even more delicate and lovely, with a flower diameter generally of only 2to4cm. Its flowers have five petals in varied shapes, some flat, some rounded, and some wavy. The flower colors are even more rich and varied, with red, yellow, white, purple, blue and more all available, as well as many bi-colored varieties, like a palette in the flowerbed, brilliant and colorful.
Although the horned violet and the pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) are similar, they also have notable differences. In terms of flower size, the pansy's flowers are clearly larger, with a flower diameter reaching 6to10cm, while the horned violet's flowers are more small and delicate. In terms of flower color, each pansy flower usually has three colors with strong contrast, while the horned violet's flower colors are softer, more elegant, and more varied. In terms of leaf shape, the pansy's leaves are wider and rounder, while the horned violet's leaves are relatively slender and long.
The sowing time for horned violets is quite flexible, and 9to10in autumn is the most suitable sowing period. At this time the temperature gradually turns cooler, which is favorable for seed germination and seedling growth. After undergoing low-temperature vernalization in winter, the horned violet can bloom abundantly in the following spring. Of course, in regions with a mild climate, spring sowing is also possible, though the flowering effect may be slightly inferior.
Planting and caring for horned violets is not complicated. It prefers a cool environment with ample light, has strong cold tolerance, and can endure mild frost, but it is not tolerant of high temperatures. In the hot summer, appropriate shading and cooling are needed to prevent poor growth or death of the plants. As for soil, choose a fertile, well-drained neutral or slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, such as well-rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer.
When watering, follow the principle of "water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out", to avoid waterlogging that causes root rot. During the vigorous growth period, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer every 1to2weeks, and before flowering, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which helps with flower bud differentiation and blooming. After flowering, promptly prune the spent flowers; this not only extends the flowering period and keeps the plant looking attractive, but also promotes the sprouting of side branches and increases the number of subsequent flowers.
The horned violet can not only be used for edging flowerbeds and flower borders, but can also be grown in pots for ornamental display, placed on balconies, windowsills and other spots, adding a splash of brilliant color to the home environment.