Also known as Violet / Pansy · 2.1k saves
Viola
Viola, the genus most gardeners know as violet / pansy. We track 35 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Viola varieties
See all 35 Viola varieties →Search this genus →
8 species of Viola
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Viola in Sow
Save the Viola you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Viola
Whats common across all Viola varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 35 most-grown of them.
The Viola year
- DeadheadMarch, April, May and September57% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to keep the patch tidy after the main bloom flush
- PlantFebruary, March, August, September and October54% of varieties
Plant new starts or transplant divisions in early spring or early fall
- FertilizeMarch and April54% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer as new growth begins in spring
- DivideSeptember51% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every few years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary46% of varieties
Remove any tattered or winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Viola
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Ragged holes chewed through leaves and flowers overnight, with slime trails across the soil | Clear damp hiding places nearby, water in the morning rather than the evening, and trap or hand-pick after dark |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use miticides or rinse with water |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting and brown roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Viola
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Gently separate into smaller sections.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after dividing.
Seed
- Collect capsules just before they split and dry them in a paper bag.
- Sow fresh in late summer or in early spring in moist compost.
- Barely cover, keep cool and damp, and expect germination in two weeks.
Viola questions
How many types of Viola are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 35 distinct Viola varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Viola grow in?
Across its varieties, Viola covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Viola bloom?
Most Viola varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, spring, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Viola should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.