How to Germinate Viola Using the Baggie Method

The ancient Greeks, Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson — all appreciated the viola, and why not? The delicate flower stands up to the cold, perfumes the air, blooms in vivid colors and is even edible. When planted in masses, the effect can be striking, and gardeners wishing to go big with the number of specimens might look to seeds as an economical alternative to buying individual plants. Employing a plastic bag and wet paper, gardeners can "pregerminate" violas indoors. The method tends to produce a higher rate of seed germination than planting directly to soil, since it's easier to control the environment.

Spray bottle filled with water
Paper towels or coffee filters
Plastic bags

Instructions

- 1
  Mist a paper towel or coffee filter using a spray bottle so that it is thoroughly moistened but not dripping wet.
- 2
  Place several of the seeds on one section of the paper so that you are able to fold the towel or filter over the seeds a few times. Don't crowd the seeds. Use more than one paper if necessary.
- 3
  Fold the paper over the seeds several times so that they are securely enclosed. Viola seeds like to germinate in darkness, so if you can see the seeds through the paper, you haven't covered them enough.
- 4
  Put the paper-seed package in a plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag.
- 5
  Place the bag in a cool area of about 65 degrees.
- 6
  Check the bag every day for a few days to make sure the paper is staying moist. If there seems to be too much water, loosen the seal. If there's not enough water, mist the paper. After you know what you'll find in terms of humidity, check the bag every three or four days for moisture and for germination.

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