Raising, Transplanting, and Bloom Management of Viola
In contrast to the experience most people have with the herbaceous flower Viola, the specifics of raising, transplanting, and bloom management are as follows:
The Viola flower is terminal, with two round petals on top and three petals below, and its color is ever-changing, with a single flower in one color, gradient colors, or upper and lower petals in two colors, or a flower heart with stripes, or a cat face-like variation. The richness of colors is truly astonishing, making one marvel at the wonders of the creator.
It is generally difficult to distinguish between Viola (Viola) and Pansy (Pansy). A simple way to tell the difference is by the size of the flower; Viola flowers are about 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter, while Pansy flowers can be as small as 4 centimeters or even as large as about 11 centimeters. There are about 500 species in the same genus, with many horticultural varieties, flowers in purple, white, yellow, blue, and other colors, and nearly round. Viola is usually propagated by sowing seeds, with autumn being the most suitable time. In the south, sowing is done in autumn, while in the north, it is done in spring. The optimal germination temperature for seeds is about 15-20°C, and germination is poor when the temperature is higher than 25°C.
I. Seedling Raising
Viola seeds range from 950 to 1600 per gram. Generally, a 200 or 288-cell tray is chosen for sowing. The sowing medium is usually imported seedling peat or domestically produced seedling peat that has been sterilized, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2. A low pH can prevent the outbreak of black rot, but a boron deficiency can cause the shoot tip to stop growing and result in stunted plants. After sowing, a thin layer of vermiculite is used to cover the seeds to keep them moist. If the substrate is too dry, it may lead to uneven germination. The germination temperature should be maintained at about 20°C.
In the first germination stage, radicles appear and begin to take root within three to four days. The temperature is controlled between 20°C and 21°C. Germination does not require light, but providing 50 to 200 lux of light can promote germination.
In the second germination stage, germination is complete, and the roots continue to grow, with the stem and cotyledons unfolding. The focus of this stage is to let the substrate become slightly dry to help the roots penetrate the substrate. The daytime temperature is controlled at around 20°C, and the nighttime temperature is controlled at around 18°C. A nitrogen-containing fertilizer at 4000 times or a calcium-containing fertilizer is applied. An ammonium content greater than 5ppm can cause seedlings to elongate. Light is controlled between 20,000 to 25,000 lux. Viola does not require supplementary lighting at night, as it may lead to early flowering.
In the third germination stage, the roots penetrate the holes of the tray, and the first true leaf appears. Temperature control and fertilizer application are the same as in the second stage, with light controlled between 25,000 to 30,000 lux.
In the fourth germination stage, the roots can easily hold the tray substrate, forming a root ball with two to three pairs of true leaves. Maintain proper humidity to avoid seedling elongation. To promote early flowering, reduce the nighttime temperature to 15°C. Fertilizer usage is the same as in the third stage, with light controlled between 30,000 to 35,000 lux.
II. Transplanting
When the plants have grown three to four true leaves, they can be transplanted into pots. Generally, a 13-centimeter pot is chosen. The potting mix should be loose and well-draining, with organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer, which is especially important in colder seasons when the temperature is below 17°C and lighting conditions are poor, as the substrate dries slowly. The pH should be between 5.8 to 6.2. During the day, the temperature should be reduced as much as possible when it is warm, and a nighttime temperature of 15°C is beneficial for early flowering. A temperature below 15°C will promote stronger plants but will increase the growing time and extend the blooming period.
Fertilizer is applied every two to three waterings, with a calcium-containing fertilizer at a nitrogen concentration of about 1500 times. High nitrogen fertilizer concentrations can cause elongation. In colder weather, less ammonium-containing fertilizer should be used.
III. Attention During the Growth Period
The flowering period varies with the cultivation time. Viola prefers a cool environment, dislikes high temperatures, and is cold-tolerant. Poor sunlight results in poor flowering. The cultivation environment should be chosen with good drainage, ventilation, and sunlight. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to become weak and not flower easily. During the growing period, flower fertilizer is applied every seven to ten days to help plant growth. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be supplemented during the flowering period to promote continuous blooming. Fertilization is stopped after flowering. During the growing period, it is important to prevent and treat diseases such as T-J disease, gray mold, and pests such as aphids and red spiders.
The above is a detailed introduction to the raising, transplanting, and bloom management of Viola. Did you get it?