FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
VIOLETS (Viola species)
There are many species of violets and pansies. The two most frequently grown
in herb gardens are sweet violet (V. odorata) of which many poems and songs
have been written, and Johnny jump up (V. tricolor), or heart's ease, an
herb valued in the past as a medicine.
Sweet violets have dark green, heart shaped leaves with pointed tips and
toothed margins that grow at the ends of long leaf stalks. Colors of the
fragrant flowers range from deep violet, to bluish rose, to white. Several
varieties are popular :'Royal Robe' is large with deep blue blossoms; 'Marie
Louise produces fragrant, double white and bluish lavender flowers.
Johnny jump ups (V. tricolor) are 6-12 inches tall, and grow in tufted clumps.
The flowers are purple, blue, mauve, lavender, or yellow and resemble small
pansies.
Violets have been prized for their beauty, fragrance, and medicinal qualities.
They were associated with humility and constancy, and have been used in
spring celebrations. Herbalists have recommended them for epilepsy, skin
diseases, and low spirits. Puddings, wines, jellies, salads, and a type
of fritter have been made from their leaves, which contain quantities of
vitamin C and were often eaten to strengthen the body.
Violets thrive in rich, moist soil. They usually need protection from hot
afternoon sun, and in the desert and other hot summer climates they should
be planted in full shade. In cool summer climates they will grow well in
full sun or sun filtered shade. Though perennials, both species, Johnny
jump ups in particular, usually are treated as annuals. Start from seeds
or buy them in flats at nurseries; sweet violets spread by runners and can
be divided to give you new plants.
Sweet violets and Johnny jump ups are mostly used for color in the landscape
and for borders. Under spring flowering bulbs, for example, they will provide
mass color as a ground cover. If you fertilize sweet violets in spring before
bloom, they will give you more flowers.