How to Plant Violets

Overview

Spring-blooming violets have a sweet, strong fragrance and have been used to make perfume for hundreds of years. Violets have also been used medicinally to treat migraines and insomnia. These low-growing perennials spread rapidly and are best planted in a wild or semi-wild woodland garden.

Step 1

Pick a spot to plant violets that is in partial to mostly shade. The soil should be moist, rich and full of organic matter.

Step 2

Prepare planting bed. Spread 2 inches of compost and 2 inches of peat moss on the surface of the soil in the planting bed. Dig these into the garden soil with a spade and incorporate them by turning the soil over. Rake the surface of the bed smooth when finished digging.

Step 3

Sprinkle or broadcast violet seeds on the surface of the prepared planting bed. Cover with 1/8- to 1/4-inch of sifted compost or vermiculite. Gently firm the surface with your hands to ensure the seeds have good contact with the soil.

Step 4

Water the seedbed with a hose end sprayer set to a fine mist. Check the area daily and mist as needed to keep the seedbed moist. Germination will be erratic and can take several weeks.

Step 5

Thin seedlings when they are 2 inches high so they stand 6 to 8 inches apart.