Cultivation and Care of Viola
This article introduces the relevant experience of cultivating Viola, a plant from the Orchidaceae family. Let's follow the editor to learn more about it!
Viola flowers have single and double petals. Double-petaled flowers are large and compact, resembling a bouquet of绣球 (hydrangea) surrounding a flower spike; single-petaled flowers are loose, with butterfly-like blooms chasing and dancing. The flowers come in a variety of colors, bright and lovely, with an attractive aroma. There are three types of varieties:
(1) Summer Viola: Also known as fragrant Viola. Annual, with small stems and leaves, early flowering, a growth period of 100-150 days, and a strong fragrance. Flowers from June to August after spring sowing.
(2) Autumn Viola: Sown in early spring, flowers in autumn. Sown in autumn, cultivated in a greenhouse, the flowering period extends from winter to spring.
(3) Winter Viola: A perennial flower, with larger plants. It can be grown outdoors in the southern part of China. Sown in autumn, the flowering period extends from winter to summer. Due to different sowing periods, these three types of Viola can basically bloom throughout the year in warm regions.
Viola should not be planted too densely, as poor ventilation can cause diseases and pests. It is suitable to plant in soil that is rich in humus and has good drainage. Potting soil can be mixed with 2 parts of humus soil, 2 parts of garden soil, and 1 part of river sand. Fertilize once every 10 days during the growing season. Do not use too much nitrogen fertilizer; instead, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Stop fertilizing during the flowering period and winter. Water immediately when the soil surface is dry and white, keeping it moist but not wet. Viola prefers a warm climate in winter and should be moved indoors. It can tolerate short periods of -5°C low temperature, and propagation is mainly through sowing.
In the central part of China, it is generally sown outdoors in mid-September. For seed collection, it is preferable to choose single-petaled flowers as the parent. Although double-petaled flowers have a high ornamental value, they lack pistils and cannot produce seeds. If seeds are collected from potted parent plants, the second generation of double-petaled flowers will be more common, accounting for more than 50%. Before sowing, the potting soil should be slightly moist. After sowing, cover with a thin layer of fine soil and do not water again. If the potting soil dries out within half a month, the pot can be placed half-submerged in water to moisten the soil from the bottom. After sowing, pay attention to shading, and seedlings will emerge in about 15 days.
The above [] introduces some tips on the cultivation and care of Viola. I hope this article can bring you some help!