How to Feed Viola Odorata

Water violas after feeding them with a dry fertilizer.

Viola odorata is an heirloom plant -- not a hybrid -- and is better known by its common name, sweet violet. It has purple flowers and grows only about 4 to 6 inches high, which makes it an excellent choice for a ground cover. Adopt a good fertilizing schedule to help your violas grow and flower well to fill a space more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Slow-release, balanced granular or liquid 8-8-8 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Work in a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, such as 8-8-8, into the top 4 inches of soil at planting time in the spring. Use the dosing recommendations stated on the label, which vary among different strength fertilizers.

2. Sprinkle a balanced granular or pour a liquid fertilizer around the base of each viola at planting time or in the spring when the plants begin to grow again. This is an alternative to a slow-release fertilizer. Repeat feedings once every three to four weeks, during the growing season, as stated on the label. Apply the recommended dosing amount on the label as well. Don't get fertilizer on the leaves or flowers -- it can burn them.

3. Water the violas well with approximately 1/2- to 1-inch of water after fertilizing. This helps the fertilizer dissolve and work its way down to the roots to feed the plants. Skip this step if you used a liquid fertilizer.

References

• University of Vermont Extension: Versatile Violas
• Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension: Sweet Violet
• Plant Biology: Guide to Growing Sweet Violet -- Viola odorata