Violets

Violets are a species of flowering plants in the viola genus. There are 400–500 species scattered throughout the world, with the majority of the plants being found in the Northern Hemisphere. Violets are typically found in moist and slightly shaded conditions Most violets are perennial, meaning the plant lives longer than two years, while some are annual, flowering and dying within a year. http://www.theperfectvioletpot.com/growing.html

The plants typically have heart-shaped leaves, and asymmetrical flowers, with the shape of the petals identifying many species. Most of the species are acaulescent in habit, therefore the plant lacks any noticeable stems and the foliage and flowers appear to rise from the ground. The flowers of the plant are formed from five petals, the shape and placement of the petals acting as another identifier of the species. http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/violets

The flower’s colors vary throughout the genus ranging from lighter shades, like white, cream, and yellow, to darker colors like blue and violet. Some violets have bi-colored petals. http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbViolet.htm

True violets have been cultivated for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Greeks in 500 BC. Early Greeks and Romans used violets in a variety of manners, using them as herbal remedies and food additives. The Greeks considered violets to be a symbol of love and fertility, and used them in love potions. http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbViolet.htm

Although they should not be ingested in large doses, violets are edible and used for medicinal purposes, while the flowers of the plant can be used in a number of recipes. http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/violets

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Malpighiales
• Family: Violaceae
• Genus: Viola

Violets grow best during the winter and spring months, in the shade of deciduous trees. The flowers should be planted in the early springtime, several weeks before the last forecasted frost date. The best place to plant the flowers is an area that receives heavy sunlight, and light shade. Violets grow best in nutrient-rich soils that are well drained, and should be spaced approximately 4 to 8 inches apart from each other. http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/violetsThe area should be watered moderately, as violets do not require large amounts of water. The plot can be fertilized once the flowers have begun to bloom.

While violets do not require large amounts of moisture in moderate climates, the plants do require extra moisture in drier weather. http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbViolet.htm