How to Grow Viola Flowers

Locate well-draining, fertile, evenly moist soil with partial shade exposure. Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 inches with a shovel and incorporate 2 inches of peat moss or manure to enrich it. Also add a shovelful of 10-10-10 fertilizer to the soil. Mix the organic amendments in the soil and level the top with a rake.

Plant the violas in early spring in areas with cold winters, or during fall in mild areas. Space tall or upright viola plants 8 inches apart. Trailing varieties are usually spaced 10 to 12 inches apart.

Spread a 1-inch-thick layer of mulch over the soil surrounding violas to prevent weeds and insulate the soil. Use organic mulch such as wood chips, shredded leaves or pine bark. Space the mulch several inches from the plant’s crown to reduce chances of rot.

Irrigate the violas once every week to 10 days to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Water each plant early in the morning, preferably at soil level, to reduce chances of fungal diseases and pest infestations that occur with wet foliage.

Fertilize the violas every two months with a well-balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer granules around the base of the plant and irrigate deeply to release nutrients. Follow label directions for application rates to prevent over-feeding the violas or causing root burn.

Deadhead faded or spent flowers at the base of each stem to promote flowering and extend bloom period. Cutting back overgrown or leggy plants to 4 inches in height revives growth.

Dislodge sucking insects such as aphids with a spray of water from a garden hose. Use an insecticidal soapy solution to treat severe or large pest infestations on the foliage, blooms and stems of violas. Treat fungal diseases such as powdery mildew with a registered fungicide.