Sweet violet - Viola odorata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Sweet violet

Also known as: Common violet, Garden violet

Sweet violet is a mainstay in European gardening and cuisine. Its sweet smell has engendered a long tradition of use in the perfume industry. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be mixed with salads or made into syrup. In the wild, sweet violet is often found near woodland edges, forest clearings, and other shaded areas.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet violet (Viola odorata)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Winter

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Harvest Time

5 cm to 15 cm

Plant Height

20 cm to 61 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

White, Blue, Purple, Violet, Pink

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet violet

Distribution of Sweet violet

Distribution Map

The native range of sweet violet covers all of Europe, extending into North Africa and Central Asia. It has been introduced as a garden plant all over much of the rest of the world. You can find this pretty plant in wooded areas, fields, and mixed hedges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, hedgerows, woodlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Sweet violet is highly prized for the heavenly scent that it produces. This late winter and early springtime bloomer adds an injection of color and interest to gardens looking lackluster after the winter season. It is versatile and can be used for underplanting, beds, and containers.

Symbolism

Faith, Mystical awareness, the Subconscious, Inspiration, spiritual passion, humility, true love

Interesting Facts

Sweet violets were once considered the symbol of the ancient Greek city-state of Athens. The flowers played important roles in the mythology of the Ancient Greeks' gods, Aphrodite, Priapus, and Iamus.

Name Story

Sweet violet: The word, "sweet" refers to the sweet scent from the flowers and the sweet syrup extracted from the flowers while violet is derived from the latin word, viola. Hence, it is called sweet violet.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweet violet, including the following common varieties :

Sweet violet 'Hungarian Beauty'

Quickly Identify Sweet violet

Heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) across, sparsely haired.

Slender, leafless stem with green to reddish color, smooth texture, and minimal branching.

Delicate, nodding flowers, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter, violet to blue-violet with sweet fragrance.

Fruit is a light purple, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) capsule with short hairs, splitting open to release seeds.

Bloom colors include dark blue, purple, lilac, rose, or white, adding a touch of color.

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Care Guide for Sweet violet

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sweet violet thrives in moderate humidity and requires weekly watering to maintain health, reflecting its native habitat's consistent rainfall. This herbaceous perennial can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, benefiting from natural rainwater during the growing season.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, sweet violet requires balanced nutrition through biweekly fertilization during spring/summer, reducing to monthly in autumn and minimal in winter. Always follow package instructions while ensuring soil moisture to avoid root burn. Tailoring fertilization to sweet violet's life cycle enhances health and flowering.

Pruning: Sweet violet, valued for its fragrant flowers, thrives with proper pruning techniques including removing damaged leaves and thinning overcrowded areas. The best time for pruning is early to late spring, enhancing air circulation, minimizing disease, and promoting healthy new growth.

Propagation: Sweet violet is propagated efficiently through cuttings, using healthy, non-flowering shoots. Cut stems should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil. Providing consistent moisture and warmth promotes root growth while preventing rot.

Repotting: Repot sweet violet every 2-3 years into a slightly larger, well-draining pot in early spring. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. Gentle handling post-repotting encourages blooming, making care essential for this charming ground cover.

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Images of Sweet violet

Distribution of Sweet violet

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Sweet violet

Care Guide for Sweet violet

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