You can plant out your viola plants in early spring or early autumn, depending on when you want them to flower, Violas are best grown in a cool position in partial shade, though they will take full sun if kept moist.

Both violas and pansies are suitable for a wide variety of garden situations, such as the front of a border, bedding, edging and containers like hanging baskets.

There are plenty of options for other plants to go with violas, they look great with other autumn and spring plants such as heathers, gaultheria and skimmia. For even more colour, plant layers of spring flowering bulbs below the violas.

To learn more about bulb layering, check out our post on how to make a bulb lasagne.

If you’ve planted your violas in the autumn, they will then combine with the bulbs in the spring to produce a riot of colour.

Violas and their closely related cousin pansies are extremely easy to look after. No matter if it is planted in the ground or in pots or containers, it can really cope anywhere. They’ll remain in good health and continue to look good, by following a few simple tips.

They need to be grown in partial shade to full sun, with plenty of food in the soil, you can add a little at the time of planting and don’t forget to water regularly.

As long as the temperature is above freezing, these hardy plants will continue to grow and flower. Always remove dead and wilting flowers as they will encourage them to produce more flowers.

Once the plant has finished flowering in late spring, you can replace them with fresh summer bedding.

When to sow viola seeds

You have two opportunities each year to sow viola seeds, either in spring or autumn. They grow best when it is a little cooler, so don’t be tempted to sow in the summer months when it’s too hot.

When to plant violas outside

If you have grown your own violas from seed or have bought plants, you can plant them outside in either early spring or early autumn, depending on when you want the flowers.

If you plant in the early autumn, you will get flowers into the winter (depending on the weather) and when planted in the spring you will get flowers later in spring. Until the temperature rises and it gets too warm in the summer. 

Our favourite violas

Viola ‘Clear’ Mix

This Viola ‘Clear’ Mix is a must-have if you wish to create a planting scheme that is filled with primary, classic colours. The strong branching and upright habit of these plants makes them perfect additions to the front of a border!

Shop Viola ‘Clear’ Mix

https://www.primrose.co.uk/viola-hivernale-mix-3-x-10-5cm-pots

Viola ‘Hivernale’ Mix

Each sporting unique colour pallets and intricate markings across each petal, Violas are a favourite for achieving elaborate planting schemes! They will perform well in containers, and make the perfect accompaniment for Primula varieties.

Shop Viola ‘Hivernale’ Mix

https://www.primrose.co.uk/vibrant-viola-collection-6-x-9cm-pots

Vibrant Viola Collection

Sure to stand out from the bedding crowd, this collection of vibrant violas is great for adding an easy splash of colour. Why not grow them with the kids to get them interested in gardening?

Shop Vibrant Violas