There is still some relatively cooler weather ahead before we get into true spring here in southwest Florida.   As such, be sure to take advantage of flowering bedding plants that thrive at this time of year.  Violas are splendid flowers to plant which will brighten the flower bed until we transition into summer annuals. Violas [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_9517" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9517" style="width: 431px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-9517" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2025/02/20250129_174016-300x200.jpg" alt="a mass planting of purple flowers" width="431" height="287" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9517" class="wp-caption-text">Cool, Blue Violas Take Center Stage</figcaption></figure>
There is still some relatively cooler weather ahead before we get into true spring here in southwest Florida.   As such, be sure to take advantage of flowering bedding plants that thrive at this time of year.  Violas are splendid flowers to plant which will brighten the flower bed until we transition into summer annuals.
Violas are short-lived evergreen perennials (Viola cornuta) that are the ancestors of pansies.  Pansies came into existence as a hybrid of many viola species thanks to dedicated breeders and horticulturalists.  I like pansies, but I like violas a bit more for their smaller flowers, bright colors, hardiness, and abundant flower production.   In general, violas have flowers in shades of blue, violet, yellow, orange, pink, and white. They also are better able to take warmer temperatures than pansies and are usefully ornamental longer into the early spring. Violas grow in a more compact fashion than pansies reaching about eight-inches high and up to a one foot across.
Preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil, add organic matter to help retain moisture in your viola planting bed.  Violas also appreciate some slow-release supplemental nutrients to aid in their growth and flowering.  Deadheading – the removal of old dead flowers – will help reinvigorate new flower production on into the season.  In addition to violas as a bedding plant, they are a great container/hanging basket plant for small-space gardening.
There are many cultivars to choose from sure to satisfy your color palette requirements.  For instance, the ‘Sorbet’ series is commonly available with yellow, orange, blue, white and types with colorful blotched “faces”.  The ‘Angel’ series has an amazing twenty-four cultivars selection.  Another cultivar series &#8211; ‘Velour’ &#8211; features twenty colors choices.  Other cultivars include ‘Arkwright Ruby’ with dark wine-red flowers, a golden eye and flower petal edge, ‘Chantreyland’ with good-sized apricot flowers, and ‘White Perfection’ with large white flowers.
Violas are also edible!  Just like pansies, violas have edible flowers that can be used in salads, beverages, garnishes, and desserts.  They have a mild grassy flavor but add a colorful accent to many food items.  Just before using, carefully wash viola flowers in cool water and dry them on a paper towel.  One word of caution – if you purchased the violas at a garden center, they may have been treated with pesticides.  To be on the safe side, unless you grow them yourselves, please avoid eating them.  You can grow violas from seed which will guarantee control of the flowers being pesticide free.  Start these seeds six to eight weeks earlier and be patient as they may take up to twenty days to germinate.
With year-round gardening available to us, growing a flower that matches the seasonal changes is a blessing.  Violas will provide colorful enjoyment now and on into late spring.  Try growing violas and you will be a convert for life!  For more information on growing all types of annual flowering plants in our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  R Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension">@CharlotteCountyExtension</a> and follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifascharco/">@ifascharco</a>.
Resources: 
Sullivan J. (2018) Edible Flowers.  University of Florida IFAS Extension-Osceola County. 
Gilman, E. F. &amp; Howe, T. (2014) Viola x wittrockiana Pansy. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2024) Edible Flowers. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS 
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2024) Pansies.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
North Carolina Extension Calendar Plant Toolbox.  (2025) Pansy Viola tricolor. NC State University Cooperative Extension 
North Carolina Extension Calendar Plant Toolbox.  (2025) Violas. NC State University Cooperative Extension 
Sanders, S. (2025) All About Pansies. The Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture 
Smith, E. M. L. (2024) Use Sorbet violas in containers, landscape.  Mississippi State University Extension Service. 
Smith, B. H. (2022) Pansies, Violas, and Panolas—Oh My! Clemson University Cooperative Extension. 
Winter, N. (2007) Don&#8217;t overlook violas in cool-season gardens. Mississippi State University Extension Service. 
Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week: Viola x williamsii Violets, Johnny Jump Up. (2025) Cooperative Extension Service &#8211; U of A System Division of Agriculture 
Bachman, G. (2017) Pansy and Viola. Mississippi State University Extension Service. 
Bachman, G. (2022) Plant tough violas for months of garden color. Mississippi State University Extension Service. 
Haynes, C. (2025) Pansies Bring Color to the Spring Garden. Iowa State University Extension. 
Bachman, G. (2017) Sorbet violas are big winter performers. Mississippi State University Extension Service. 
Viola tricolor (2024) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_tricolor.
Jeb Fields, Edwards, Ashley, Thiessen, Maureen, Abdi, Damon (2023) Louisiana Super Plants: Sorbet Violas The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Cool, Blue Violas Take Center Stage
There is still some relatively cooler weather ahead before we get into true spring here in southwest Florida.   As such, be sure to take advantage of flowering bedding plants that thrive at this time of year.  Violas are splendid flowers to plant which will brighten the flower bed until we transition into summer annuals.
Violas are short-lived evergreen perennials (Viola cornuta) that are the ancestors of pansies.  Pansies came into existence as a hybrid of many viola species thanks to dedicated breeders and horticulturalists.  I like pansies, but I like violas a bit more for their smaller flowers, bright colors, hardiness, and abundant flower production.   In general, violas have flowers in shades of blue, violet, yellow, orange, pink, and white. They also are better able to take warmer temperatures than pansies and are usefully ornamental longer into the early spring. Violas grow in a more compact fashion than pansies reaching about eight-inches high and up to a one foot across.
Preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil, add organic matter to help retain moisture in your viola planting bed.  Violas also appreciate some slow-release supplemental nutrients to aid in their growth and flowering.  Deadheading – the removal of old dead flowers – will help reinvigorate new flower production on into the season.  In addition to violas as a bedding plant, they are a great container/hanging basket plant for small-space gardening.
There are many cultivars to choose from sure to satisfy your color palette requirements.  For instance, the ‘Sorbet’ series is commonly available with yellow, orange, blue, white and types with colorful blotched “faces”.  The ‘Angel’ series has an amazing twenty-four cultivars selection.  Another cultivar series – ‘Velour’ – features twenty colors choices.  Other cultivars include ‘Arkwright Ruby’ with dark wine-red flowers, a golden eye and flower petal edge, ‘Chantreyland’ with good-sized apricot flowers, and ‘White Perfection’ with large white flowers.
Violas are also edible!  Just like pansies, violas have edible flowers that can be used in salads, beverages, garnishes, and desserts.  They have a mild grassy flavor but add a colorful accent to many food items.  Just before using, carefully wash viola flowers in cool water and dry them on a paper towel.  One word of caution – if you purchased the violas at a garden center, they may have been treated with pesticides.  To be on the safe side, unless you grow them yourselves, please avoid eating them.  You can grow violas from seed which will guarantee control of the flowers being pesticide free.  Start these seeds six to eight weeks earlier and be patient as they may take up to twenty days to germinate.
With year-round gardening available to us, growing a flower that matches the seasonal changes is a blessing.  Violas will provide colorful enjoyment now and on into late spring.  Try growing violas and you will be a convert for life!  For more information on growing all types of annual flowering plants in our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  R Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Jeb Fields, Edwards, Ashley, Thiessen, Maureen, Abdi, Damon (2023) Louisiana Super Plants: Sorbet Violas The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

There is still some relatively cooler weather ahead before we get into true spring here in southwest Florida.   As such, be sure to take advantage of flowering bedding plants that thrive at this time of year.  Violas are splendid flowers to plant which will brighten the flower bed until we transition into summer annuals. Violas […]

Cool season flower power – violas

Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season. Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check [&#8230;]

Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils.
Annuals and Perennials 
Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season.
<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-7335 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2023/10/root-ball-plant-218x300.jpg" alt="Healthy plant root ball" width="206" height="283" />
<ol>
<li>Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check for roots that emerge from bottom of pot, which can indicate a root-bound plant.</li>
<li>If desired, amend sandy soils with organic materials (such as compost). Work into soil 10-12 inches. It is best to amend the entire planting area, rather than just a single planting hole.</li>
<li>Gently remove the plant from the container. A well-rooted plant will show roots that extend just to the interior of the pot. If there are circling roots, cut with a sharp knife.</li>
<li>Dig hole so the height of the root ball is at – or slightly higher &#8211; than ground level when plant is installed. This allows for settling.</li>
<li>Dig hole slightly wider than the root ball. The loosened soil will enhance lateral root development.</li>
<li>The planting hole should have flat-shaped bottom; (avoids air pocket at bottom). Leave soil at bottom as undisturbed as possible (to discourage settling).</li>
<li>Make sure root balls are well watered in; never plant a dry root ball.<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7339 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Purple salvia perennial planted in the ground with watering hose applying water to root area." width="258" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2023/10/water-in-perennial-258x300.jpg"></li>
<li>Place plant in the hole. Return the soil around root ball using a trowel or your hand. Do not press down or stomp on plants. Compacting the soil reduces oxygen that is necessary for root development. Water gently to remove air pockets.</li>
<li> Avoid piling up soil around the center of the plant. If the plant seems unstable after installing, it was probably installed too high; best to remove and replant at proper height.</li>
<li>Rake surrounding soil smooth and level, to allow for good drainage.</li>
</ol>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7337 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Purple salvia perennial flower planted in pine straw mulch" width="244" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2023/10/plant-perennial-244x300.jpg">When installing any size of plant, there are some general guidelines to follow. 
1. Add mulch to 3” depth in the area surrounding the plant.  If you would like to add mulch on top of the root ball, only apply to 1 inch depth. 
2. Water the new plant well, making sure adequate water is applied during the plant’s establishment. This is determined by plant species, size of plant, and season. 
3. No need to fertilize. Most plants have just come from the nursery and already have been recently fertilized. Additionally, adding fertilizer at planting has no impact on improved survival. In fact, if fertilizer is not applied correctly, roots may burn and injure the plant. Wait at least a few months before fertilizing trees and shrubs.
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at <a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk">http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk</a>. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at <a href="mailto:polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu">polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu</a>.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your<a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/"> local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic</a>.
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible.
This article was written by Master Gardener Volunteer Molly Griner under supervision of the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Residential Horticulture Extension Agent Anne Yasalonis.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils.
Annuals and Perennials
Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season.

Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check for roots that emerge from bottom of pot, which can indicate a root-bound plant.
If desired, amend sandy soils with organic materials (such as compost). Work into soil 10-12 inches. It is best to amend the entire planting area, rather than just a single planting hole.
Gently remove the plant from the container. A well-rooted plant will show roots that extend just to the interior of the pot. If there are circling roots, cut with a sharp knife.
Dig hole so the height of the root ball is at – or slightly higher – than ground level when plant is installed. This allows for settling.
Dig hole slightly wider than the root ball. The loosened soil will enhance lateral root development.
The planting hole should have flat-shaped bottom; (avoids air pocket at bottom). Leave soil at bottom as undisturbed as possible (to discourage settling).
Make sure root balls are well watered in; never plant a dry root ball.
Place plant in the hole. Return the soil around root ball using a trowel or your hand. Do not press down or stomp on plants. Compacting the soil reduces oxygen that is necessary for root development. Water gently to remove air pockets.
 Avoid piling up soil around the center of the plant. If the plant seems unstable after installing, it was probably installed too high; best to remove and replant at proper height.
Rake surrounding soil smooth and level, to allow for good drainage.
When installing any size of plant, there are some general guidelines to follow.
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible.
This article was written by Master Gardener Volunteer Molly Griner under supervision of the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Residential Horticulture Extension Agent Anne Yasalonis.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season. Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check […]

Bedding Plants

Publications

Nematode Management for Bedding Plants

Production Costs and Profitability for Select Greenhouse Grown Annual Bedding Plants: Partial Enterprise Budgeting and Sensitivity Analysis

Cool season flower power – violas

Proper Planting: Annuals and Perennials