# How to Grow King Henry Viola
King Henry violas (Viola cornuta "King Henry") are perennial flowers best suited for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. Their colorful blossoms adorn the landscape in the fall, winter or spring, depending on the climate and time of planting. Typically, plant seeds in the fall for the warmer climates or in the spring for cooler climates when soil temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things You'll Need
- Organic matter
- Tiller
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Grow King Henry violas in full sun to partial shade in soil that is well-drained and rich. Therefore, before planting time, work 3 inches of compost, rotted manure, leaf mold or another type of organic matter into the soil about 8 inches deep.
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Scatter the seeds across the soil and then lightly cover them with 1/16 inch of soil since King Henry violas germinate in darkness. Expect seeds to germinate in two to three weeks.
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Water the seeds with about 1/2 inch of water and keep the soil moist until the seedlings grow about 2 or 3 inches tall. At this time, thin the seedlings so the remaining healthy ones are spaced about 6 inches apart.
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Continue to water regularly, about once a week during the growing season, especially during hot weather. These plants do not tolerate droughts very well, but at the same time, do not saturate the soil so it is soggy.
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5
Pinch off flowers after they fade. This practices encourages King Henry violas to bloom more flowers and for a longer period of time.
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