Planting Violets

The Right Place
Early blue violets and butterfly violets survive easily in woods and yards as far north as the Mid-West and Middle Atlantic regions and along the eastern seaboard into New England (zones 5, 4). They are found as far west as Arkansas and Wyoming. They are hardy where winter temperatures seldom dip below -10F. They generally are not able to handle the cold winters in northern New England.

Planting Nursery Stock
Since these violets are native to woods and other semi-shaded locations, they will do well in areas of medium shade in the summer. They can handle sun in fall, winter and very early spring. Planted in areas shaded the year round, they'll do well as ground covers, but produce fewer flowers. Violets appreciate well-drained soil rich in organic matter that is neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 7.0 to 7.5). Violets don't thrive in acidic soils. Space starter plants 6 inches apart.

Violets will grow in many different kinds of containers. Make sure these are 6 to 8 inches deep.

Amendments In Planting or Transplanting
There are a number of products at the garden center that will help your newly planted or transplanted plants deal better with the stress inherent in the planting process. All healthy plants have beneficial fungi, called mycorrhizal fungi, living on their roots. You can buy these valuable additions to your plant’s ecosystem. See the file describing Using Micorrhizae When Planting.

In addition, there are a number of products such as seaweed, compost tea, and beneficial soil microbes that when added to the planting process will help your newly established plants get going faster. See the file New Technology In Plant Growth Activators