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heartease

heartsease or Viola 'Tricolor'

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Dainty, small-headed pansies in shades of purple, violet, cream and yellow, appear in profusion for a long period throughout the summer.

The flowers of this annual or short-lived perennial are edible and can be used to garnish puddings or sprinkled on salads. Also, if cut, the flowers will make very pretty posies, while the plant will be encouraged to form even more bloom. Otherwise, leave them on the plant and they'll go on to self-seed freely.

Viola tricolor is a wonderful, easy to grow plant, that will provide attractive groundcover at border edges or woodland settings.

How to care for Viola tricolor:

Seedlings should be potted up and grown on in a frost-free environment, such as well-lit windowsill or unheated greenhouse.

Once well-established, plants can then be planted out into well-drained, humus-rich soil that is neither frozen nor prone to waterlogging, or potted up into larger pots filled with good quality compost. Keep well watered, and feed with a good, high potash fertiliser (such as Tomorite) on a regular basis. Pinching off the spent flowers will encourage more to form.

Protect young plants from slug damage using natural barriers such as coarse grit, copper bands, or other non-chemical solutions that are available in our slug and snail control selection.

Sowing instructions:

Late winter, spring and autumn sowings can be done in a cold frame, into trays of good seed compost and gradually hardened off before planting out.

Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in late spring to early summer, or in autumn. Gently thin the seedlings out to 15cm (6in) apart when they are large enough to handle.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.12m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

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