How to grow Viola Sorbet Series ‘Black Delight’ from seed:
You can sow viola seeds in late summer to early fall for autumn-to-spring blooms, or in late winter to early spring for spring-to-early-summer blooms. The ideal germination temperature is 15–18°C (59–65°F), and high heat should be avoided because it can stop germination.
Prepare seed trays or small pots and fill them with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a very thin layer of fine soil or vermiculite, about 2–3 mm thick. Moisten the soil gently with a spray bottle and cover the tray with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture. Keep the tray in darkness because viola seeds germinate best without light. Germination usually takes 7–14 days.
After the seeds sprout, move the trays to bright, indirect light and keep the temperature around 10–15°C (50–59°F) to encourage strong growth. Water gently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. When the seedlings have two or three true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and harden them off outdoors for 7–10 days before planting them in the garden.
Plant violas outdoors in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Space the plants 15–20 cm apart. Cool temperatures between 5–20°C help them bloom best. Applying a thin layer of mulch can help keep the soil cool and moist.
For ongoing care, keep the soil consistently moist and water at the base to avoid fungal issues. Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every two or three weeks, but avoid overfeeding, which can produce more foliage than flowers. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continual flowering, and watch for pests such as aphids and slugs or diseases like powdery mildew. Violas tolerate cold well and can bloom through winter in mild climates, although they may slow down or stop flowering during hot weather. Lightly cutting them back after a flush of blooms can help stimulate new growth.
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