FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
VIOLETS (Viola species)
There are many species of violets and pansies. The two most frequently grownin herb gardens are sweet violet (V. odorata) of which many poems and songshave been written, and Johnny jump up (V. tricolor), or heart's ease, anherb valued in the past as a medicine.
Sweet violets have dark green, heart shaped leaves with pointed tips andtoothed margins that grow at the ends of long leaf stalks. Colors of thefragrant flowers range from deep violet, to bluish rose, to white. Severalvarieties are popular :'Royal Robe' is large with deep blue blossoms; 'MarieLouise 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 smallpansies.
Violets have been prized for their beauty, fragrance, and medicinal qualities.They were associated with humility and constancy, and have been used inspring celebrations. Herbalists have recommended them for epilepsy, skindiseases, and low spirits. Puddings, wines, jellies, salads, and a typeof fritter have been made from their leaves, which contain quantities ofvitamin C and were often eaten to strengthen the body.
Violets thrive in rich, moist soil. They usually need protection from hotafternoon sun, and in the desert and other hot summer climates they shouldbe planted in full shade. In cool summer climates they will grow well infull sun or sun filtered shade. Though perennials, both species, Johnnyjump ups in particular, usually are treated as annuals. Start from seedsor buy them in flats at nurseries; sweet violets spread by runners and canbe divided to give you new plants.
Sweet violets and Johnny jump ups are mostly used for color in the landscapeand for borders. Under spring flowering bulbs, for example, they will providemass color as a ground cover. If you fertilize sweet violets in spring beforebloom, they will give you more flowers.