Viola Hybrida Rose Shades is an easy to grow free flowering viola which looks stunning in hanging baskets and patio containers. Once established plants will produce velvety rose magenta petals with a yellow eye and dark whiskers. A hardy perennial which will tolerate temperatures down to -15C – perfect for adding autumn winter colour to the garden.
Sow pansies and violas from spring to autumn on the surface of a good seed compost and gently firm down. Spring sowings will give flowers during early summer, whilst summer and autumn sowings will bloom the following winter or spring. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) or seal it inside a polythene bag.
Keep the soil damp but not wet. Take care not to provide too high a temperature, as this can prevent germination. Do not exclude light as this aids germination which usually takes 14-21 days When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.
When viola and pansy plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant into well drained soil in baskets and containers outdoors in full sun or semi-shade. Over winter autumn sowings in a cold frame then plant out the following spring.
Different growing conditions might vary results. Image may be included for illustration of supply but can vary due to seasonality changes (e.g. deciduous plants lose leaves in colder months).
