Violet garden perennial in the open field

How to care for a night violet?

As mentioned above, the night violet does not need complicated care, so everyone can grow it in their summer cottage. What does the care include?

• Watering. You need to water the flower no more than once a week. If there were rains, then even less often. The main problem that may arise for owners of night violets is severe waterlogging, which leads to decay of the root system.
• Weed control. Large weeds can dampen flower growth, so be careful to kill all weeds and loosen the soil in time.
• Spraying against pests. As for insects, the night violet is not strongly attacked by them, but it is still necessary to protect the plant. For this, you can use both chemical and folk remedies.
• Fertilizer. As a nutrition, mineral fertilizers for flowers, which can be purchased in all specialized stores, will be an excellent solution.

So, a night violet flower, photo, planting and caring for which is simple, will be an excellent decoration for your summer cottage, and also fill it with a wonderful, delicate aroma.

Night violet or scientifically hesperis refers to biennial plants. The flower has a pleasant aroma, which intensifies towards night, simple but spectacular flowers of a delicate pink, lilac color, as well as long flowering.

Varieties of perennial violets

The most common and loved by gardeners are the following varieties and hybrids derived from them.

Fragrant

The leaves grow in a bundle on stems 10-18 centimeters high. Viola odorata is a fragrant plant, flowers (coverage up to 30 mm.) Can have a simple and double structure. The color is usually blue, violet or lilac. In the evening, the aroma intensifies. Propagated by cuttings, has a creeping stem and takes root well.

Horned

Received the name for the characteristic outgrowth behind the inflorescence. Viola cornuta grows to a height of 22 centimeters, and flowers reach up to 4 centimeters and much more.

On the basis of this species, many differently colored hybrids have been bred. These varieties are more often cultivated as two-year-olds - seeds are sown in summer or autumn directly into the ground, lush flowering is observed the next year.

White violet

This type of perennial viola has large snow-white inflorescences with a coverage of up to 10 centimeters. The middle is yellow, bluish and lilac in color.

There are several varieties with a light flower (for example, white queen, nodule). Monochrome white garden viola looks great in group plantings and singles.

Features of care after disembarkation

Levkoi are unpretentious, but prefer sod-loamy or sod-sandy soil, grow poorly on acidic soil. Both a sunny area and partial shade are suitable. The plant needs moderate watering. In dry times, moistening is carried out more often, but irrigation is not abundant. Additional care consists in the timely loosening of the soil

The procedure is carried out carefully, as Levkoy have fragile stems. You also need to regularly remove weeds in the area with matthiola. Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Levkoi do not need organic feeding. Before planting the plants, you can add wood ash to the water for irrigation. Mineral fertilizers are applied to the soil 4 to 8 times per season, depending on the fertility of the soil. It is especially useful to feed with complex phosphorus-potassium fertilizer before flowering - this will increase the number of inflorescences and buds.

Pests and diseases

Loose soil and the absence of waterlogging are good prevention of fungal diseases.

In dry and hot weather, Levkoi can suffer from attacks by cruciferous flea beetles and other insects. If there are few pests, it is enough to powder the flowers with wood ash powder.In case of a massive attack, insecticides are used, for example, "Aktara" or "Aktellik" according to the instructions.

Post-flowering care

Matthiola seeds ripen in September or October. The cut off ground part of the plants is dried in a dry and ventilated place, and then small seeds are collected.

Levkoy is usually grown as an annual, but in the southern regions, perennial varieties of Mattiola can be preserved. To do this, the ground part is cut off, the plant is covered and mulched. In regions with colder climates, the flower is sometimes dug up before the onset of cold weather and transferred to a warm place for the winter.

Miniature Levkoy varieties can be grown in a pot culture. Plants bloom magnificently in flowerpots all summer and autumn, before the onset of cold weather. If matthiola is transferred to a light windowsill before frost, then at a moderate temperature it will bloom in winter.

Levkoy can become a wonderful decoration for any flower garden. From a wide variety of varieties and hybrids, you can always choose a suitable plant for decorating curbs, alpine slides and lawns. Some varieties of this versatile flower are used for cutting and grown in pots. Unpretentiousness, beautiful appearance and wonderful evening aroma help mattiola to remain popular with flower growers.

Mattiola - an annual ornamental plant from the Cruciferous family. In its natural habitat - in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe - over fifty species of this plant grow. In floriculture, only two are used: M. two-horned and M. gray. The plant got its name in honor of the Italian botanist Pietro Mattioli.

Horned violet (Viola cornuta)

No less famous is her friend - horned violet. It gets its name from the spur at the back of the flower that resembles a small horn. This perennial, depending on the variety, has a height of 10 to 20 cm. With a sufficiently small flower size (from 1 to 3 cm), the violet is perfect for creating a flower rug. And my favorite lavender blue Boughton Blue is a prime example. And they sold it to me without roots, just a twisted spiral, sprinkled with earth. For a couple of years this "something" has turned into a rug of wondrous blue beauty, blooming from the beginning of May until the snow. Arriving to close the roses in November, I was surprised to see this blue miracle blooming after a strong frost, barely warmed by the sun. The violet bloomed on dry land in 2010, when there was no water for irrigation. At the same time, we see a large number of flowers on the bush. And this allows you to have a fairly saturated color spot in a small area.

In addition to the Buton Blue variety, today there are many varieties on sale with various colors: in a yellowish range - Ethan (Etain), Lutea Splendens, Rebecca. Rebecca (white-yellowish with a bright blue border) I call zhovto-blakitnaya in the Ukrainian manner. Its color is bright, blooms intermittently, from spring to frost, creeps slightly, but not aggressive, the bushes fall apart a little over time. There is also a pale blue with a yellowish center Ice Bat Spice (Icy but Spicy), light pink Victoria's Blush (Victoria's Blush), purple Martin (Martin), dark purple, almost black Molly Sanderson and white perfection White Perfection.

In culture, horned violet and hybrid have their own characteristics. Violet horned grows better in a sunny place, shading weakens flowering and makes the plants looser. Violet hybrid prefers moderate temperatures, therefore it is recommended to use it in partial shade, or in combination with higher plants that protect from overheating.

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Main article: Species of the genus Violet

Types of violets common in Russia

In the European part of Russia, there are about twenty species of violets. The most common are:

• Violet marsh (Viola palustris L.) - in swamps, swampy meadows and forests, on the banks of water bodies.
• Violet Vittrock (Viola × wittrockiana Gams ex Hegi), garden pansies - widely cultivated species, garden hybrid Viola altaica Ker Gawl. × Viola lutea Huds.× Viola tricolor L.
• Fragrant violet (Viola odorata L.) - is rare, often cultivated in gardens, parks, cemeteries.
• Pubescent violet (Viola hirta L.) - in forests, meadows, in the steppe.
• Violet one-flowered (Viola uniflora L.) - grows in mixed grass and grass-moss forests, woodlands, tundra, meadows, meadow slopes in Siberia, Mongolia, the Far East.
• Field violet (Viola arvensis Murr.) - weed in the fields, along the roads.
• Dog violet (Viola canina L.) - on dry sandy slopes, meadows, heaths, in forests, bushes; blooms from April to June with odorless, monochromatic light blue flowers; aerial stems bear ovoid-cordate leaves with short stipules.
• Violet marsh (Viola uliginosa Bess.) - along wet floodplain meadows and forests, river banks, streams.
• Violet tricolor (Viola tricolor L.), pansies - in fields, meadows, hills; flowers are either one-color (yellow or whitish), or two-color (the lower petal is yellow, the rest are purple), the stigma is round.
• Violet amazing (Viola mirabilis L.) - in oak forests, less often in other forests, no stems, fragrant light purple flowers.
• Violet two-flowered (Viola biflora L.) - on tundra, alpine meadows, river and lake banks, in coniferous and birch forests.

Some other types of violets

• Violet hooked-curved (Viola adunca) - a species widespread in North America; plants with a height of 5 to 10 cm with leaves that have a purple hue and purple flowers.
• Violet Canadian (Viola canadiensis) - view from the mountainous wooded areas of North America; plants with slender stems, 5 to 10 cm in height with leaves that have a purple hue and purple flowers.
• Horned violet (Viola cornuta) - view from the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees; plants with relatively large flowers and long, up to 15 cm, pedicels; the flowers have a spur at the back. The color of the flowers is from pale blue to dark purple.

• Violet nodule (Viola cucullata) - a species widespread in North America; plants up to 20 cm high.
• Violet peach (Viola persicifolia)
• Violet Kriya (Viola cryana)

Growing

Even beginners propagate them by seeds without problems. It is convenient and affordable. There would be seeds!

Planting dates for seedlings

Landing time depends entirely on your wishes. When you want to see bloom:

• In the spring. Sow the seeds well in advance. Even in the summer. The month of July is fine. Before the onset of cold weather, the plant will grow leaves and roots. But they won't be able to bloom. Provide them with wintering. So that they bloom in the spring;

• Summer. In February-March, you need to sow:
  • Dive them in April;
  • Plant seedlings in the ground in May.
• Autumn flowering can be provided by sowing in the ground in April-May.

With good care, you will be able to see flowers in 2.5 months.

Important! After blooming in the fall, violets will not be able to winter out.

Technology

Many means are suitable for growing violets by seeds. Including assistants:

• Seedling boxes and containers:
  • Plastic cups;
  • Plastic boxes for pastries and cakes;

  • With direct seeding, they will not be required.

• For direct planting in the ground:
  • Plant violet seeds in rows;
  • Sprinkle lightly with earth. But not deeper than 1 cm;
  • You can plant dense shoots;
  • The distance between adult bushes should be about 20-25 cm.
• When sowing seedlings:
  • Prepare light soil and fill the container of your choice. Add vermiculite;
  • Lightly moisten it from the top with a spray bottle;
  • Spread out the seeds every 1-1.5 cm;
  • Sprinkle lightly with earth. Like sugar;
  • And spray again with water;
  • Cover with a lid, plastic wrap.

Please note! Some varieties of these violets can self-propagate.

Seed stratification

Florists do the stratification of violet seeds for their better germination:

• This is a long-term cooling of seeds in a humid environment. So that the seeds come out of dormancy faster;
• After sowing seeds in boxes, flower growers put them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks;
• It can be different. The seeds are soaked and placed in bags in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After drying, they are sown for germination.

Soil temperature

Soil temperature will depend on the selected sowing time. If you sow directly into the ground:

• In April and May, the soil will just heat up to the right temperature for sowing;
• Experienced flower growers sow them even in winter. Or they can simply tilt the seed box and sprinkle it with earth.

Important! They are sown for seedlings at the end of February.

Germination

Light brown seeds are rather small:

• Their length is about 1.5 mm. And the width is about 1 mm;
• One box can contain up to 3 thousand pieces;
• They are not felt at all by weight. The same 3000 pieces will weigh no more than 1.5 grams;
• Ripen from June. Depending on weather conditions;
• They are suitable for planting only for two years;
• But the best germination is given by freshly harvested.

Depending on the quality, the seeds may appear even after three days. Or maybe on the tenth day. Some varieties also have features.

Picking

The picking contributes to the good development of the young plant. In thickened crops, they can stretch out, and the roots are rather weak.

They dive in 2-3 weeks after germination. And in the presence of two real leaves.

Important! Even two bushes in one container can be placed using plastic spoons and toothpicks.

Thanks to the pick, the seedlings grow quickly.

Landing time for a permanent seat

Plant violet seedlings in the ground only when there is no more frost. Even with buds and blooming violets take root well. With proper care.