Viola Etain in bloom
Pale lemon yellow paired with purple makes the Viola Etain the perfect shady ground cover.
Light: Violas are tolerant of most conditions, yet will thrive in full sun or part shade especially during the spring, yet will easily fade in full sun during summer heat, and best to transplant into dappled shade.
Soil: Moist, nutrient-rich soil that is well drained and supplemented with compost. Fertilize, as needed, to keep plants strong and healthy.
Spacing: Set out young plants 4-6 inches apart, or sow seeds in drills or plug trays to be transplanted once they are established. In some areas, sowing seeds directly into the garden in the fall and early spring by sprinkling seed, and raking. If plants are grown too closely packed, thin out, allowing 4 inches between plants that will grow in place.
Planting: Set out plants anytime in early spring, once danger of hard frost is past. Violas do best in cooler spring and fall conditions, yet will also do well in mid-summer if plants are kept deadheaded to encourage continuous blooms. (Violas are not to be confused with the indoor plant known as Violets, as there is no relation.)