Viola x wittrockiana Purple Rain F1 Hybrid

Half Hardy Annual/Hardy Perennial

• Crops in : Early summer or winter/spring
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Baskets, Containers
• Special Features : Edible Flowers
• Height : 6 inches

Description

A sumptuous, deep purple 'mini pansy' with a vigorous spreading habit, perfect for adding to baskets, containers or Flower Pouches™ as they will gently tumble over the edges creating a cascading effect. As they have good winter hardiness this makes them ideal for adding to autumn and spring displays.

Spring sowings will give flowers during early summer, whilst summer and autumn sowings will bloom the following winter or spring.

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Sowing Instructions

Sow February to March or June to September. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 14-21 days. Take care not to provide too high a temperature, as this can prevent germination.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 23cm (9in) apart, or plant into baskets and containers.

Aftercare

For best results, provide a light, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.

Over winter September sowings in a cold frame then plant out the following spring.