There is still some relatively cooler weather ahead before we get into true spring here in southwest Florida. As such, be sure to take advantage of flowering bedding plants that thrive at this time of year. Violas are splendid flowers to plant which will brighten the flower bed until we transition into summer annuals.
Violas are short-lived evergreen perennials (Viola cornuta) that are the ancestors of pansies. Pansies came into existence as a hybrid of many viola species thanks to dedicated breeders and horticulturalists. I like pansies, but I like violas a bit more for their smaller flowers, bright colors, hardiness, and abundant flower production. In general, violas have flowers in shades of blue, violet, yellow, orange, pink, and white. They also are better able to take warmer temperatures than pansies and are usefully ornamental longer into the early spring. Violas grow in a more compact fashion than pansies reaching about eight-inches high and up to a one foot across.
Preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil, add organic matter to help retain moisture in your viola planting bed. Violas also appreciate some slow-release supplemental nutrients to aid in their growth and flowering. Deadheading – the removal of old dead flowers – will help reinvigorate new flower production on into the season. In addition to violas as a bedding plant, they are a great container/hanging basket plant for small-space gardening.
There are many cultivars to choose from sure to satisfy your color palette requirements. For instance, the ‘Sorbet’ series is commonly available with yellow, orange, blue, white and types with colorful blotched “faces”. The ‘Angel’ series has an amazing twenty-four cultivars selection. Another cultivar series – ‘Velour’ – features twenty colors choices. Other cultivars include ‘Arkwright Ruby’ with dark wine-red flowers, a golden eye and flower petal edge, ‘Chantreyland’ with good-sized apricot flowers, and ‘White Perfection’ with large white flowers.
Violas are also edible! Just like pansies, violas have edible flowers that can be used in salads, beverages, garnishes, and desserts. They have a mild grassy flavor but add a colorful accent to many food items. Just before using, carefully wash viola flowers in cool water and dry them on a paper towel. One word of caution – if you purchased the violas at a garden center, they may have been treated with pesticides. To be on the safe side, unless you grow them yourselves, please avoid eating them. You can grow violas from seed which will guarantee control of the flowers being pesticide free. Start these seeds six to eight weeks earlier and be patient as they may take up to twenty days to germinate.
With year-round gardening available to us, growing a flower that matches the seasonal changes is a blessing. Violas will provide colorful enjoyment now and on into late spring. Try growing violas and you will be a convert for life! For more information on growing all types of annual flowering plants in our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. R Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Sullivan J. (2018) Edible Flowers. University of Florida IFAS Extension-Osceola County.
Gilman, E. F. & Howe, T. (2014) Viola x wittrockiana Pansy. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2024) Edible Flowers. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2024) Pansies. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
North Carolina Extension Calendar Plant Toolbox. (2025) Pansy Viola tricolor. NC State University Cooperative Extension
North Carolina Extension Calendar Plant Toolbox. (2025) Violas. NC State University Cooperative Extension
Sanders, S. (2025) All About Pansies. The Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture
Smith, E. M. L. (2024) Use Sorbet violas in containers, landscape. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Smith, B. H. (2022) Pansies, Violas, and Panolas—Oh My! Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Winter, N. (2007) Don’t overlook violas in cool-season gardens. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week: Viola x williamsii Violets, Johnny Jump Up. (2025) Cooperative Extension Service – U of A System Division of Agriculture
Bachman, G. (2017) Pansy and Viola. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Bachman, G. (2022) Plant tough violas for months of garden color. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Haynes, C. (2025) Pansies Bring Color to the Spring Garden. Iowa State University Extension.
Bachman, G. (2017) Sorbet violas are big winter performers. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Viola tricolor (2024) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_tricolor.
Jeb Fields, Edwards, Ashley, Thiessen, Maureen, Abdi, Damon (2023) Louisiana Super Plants: Sorbet Violas The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
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