Viola cornuta 'Festival' P12

Planting Viola cornuta ‘Festival’

• Choose a site with:

  • Full sun to light shade (morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal).

  • Free-draining soil that doesn’t stay waterlogged.

  • Shelter from harsh, drying winds if possible.

• Soil preparation:

  • Work in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and moisture retention.

  • If the soil is heavy clay, add horticultural grit or sand to improve drainage.

  • Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH, though Viola cornuta is fairly tolerant.

• Planting in beds and borders:

  • Space plants about 15–20 cm apart to allow a low, spreading carpet of colour.

  • Dig a hole just slightly larger than the pot.

  • Plant so the top of the rootball sits level with the soil surface; don’t bury the crown.

  • Firm gently and water in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

• Planting in containers and baskets:

  • Use a good-quality peat-free multi-purpose or container compost with added slow-release fertiliser.

  • Ensure containers have ample drainage holes and add a thin layer of grit at the base.

  • Plant slightly closer (around 12–15 cm apart) for an instant, full effect.

  • Water well after planting and place where you can enjoy the flowers at eye level.

• When to plant:

  • Plant in early spring for a long season of colour into early summer.

  • Autumn planting is ideal for winter and early spring flowering displays, especially in mild areas.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep compost and soil evenly moist but never sodden.

  • Water containers more frequently, especially in dry or windy weather.

  • Avoid overhead watering late in the evening to help reduce fungal problems.

• Feeding:

  • In beds, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • In containers, feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser once flowering begins.

  • Reduce feeding in the height of summer if plants are resting or flowering less.

• Deadheading and pruning:

  • Regularly remove spent flowers and seed heads to encourage continuous blooming.

  • Pinch back any long, straggly stems to keep plants compact and bushy.

  • Lightly trim after a flush of flowers to encourage fresh growth.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a light mulch of compost or fine bark in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Keep mulch away from direct contact with the stems to prevent rot.

• Supporting health:

  • Ensure good airflow around plants by avoiding overcrowding.

  • Rotate where you plant violas each year if you notice repeated disease issues in one spot.

Troubleshooting & Seasonal Tips

• Pests and diseases:

  • Watch for aphids on soft new growth; remove by hand or use a gentle, approved control if necessary.

  • Slugs and snails may nibble foliage; use barriers, traps, or wildlife-friendly control methods.

  • Look out for powdery mildew in hot, dry conditions; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.

• Heat and summer lull:

  • Viola cornuta prefers cool conditions; flowering may slow in hot, dry spells.

  • Move containers to a slightly shadier spot during extreme heat.

  • Keep watered and lightly fed; plants often bounce back with cooler late-summer weather.

• Winter care:

  • Plants are generally hardy, but container roots are more vulnerable to freezing.

  • In very cold snaps, move pots to a sheltered spot or group them together against a wall.

  • Avoid waterlogged soils in winter, as this is more damaging than cold.

• Extending display:

  • Combine with spring bulbs (tulips, narcissi, muscari) for layered colour.

  • Replace very tired plants every year or two if they become woody or sparse.

  • Take advantage of their long flowering season by planting fresh batches in both autumn and spring

• Size
  P12

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