Sweet violet
Sweet violet has scented small blue or white blooms and is one of the few edible flowers available in winter and early spring.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | Sep - Oct |
| Plant out/transplant | May - Jun |
| Harvest | Feb - Apr |
How to grow sweet violet
Sow sweet violet seed on the soil surface in pots in autumn, they will germinate in spring.
Transplant when growing strongly to 15cm apart.
Sweet violets thrive in a moderately heavy rich soil in a semi-shaded spot. If grown in containers they succeed well but need to be placed in a cool position throughout the summer and must not be given heat during the winter.
Flowers turn to face the sun!
Harvesting and using sweet violet
They have a delicate flavour, used to add taste and colour in confectionery, as a thickener in soup and stews and make a tasty, interesting garnish for salads, fruit salads and desserts. Avoid eating to excess as they may have a laxative effect.
Tips for growing sweet violet
- Remove growing tips to encourage bushiness and cut back stems in autumn.
- They can be grown outdoors for years, divide and replant old clumps in autumn for more sweet violet plants.
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Germination time | Overwinter |
| Average time to harvest | From 12 months |
| Equipment needed | None |
| Average plant size | 15cm tall, 30cm wide |
| Family group to grow with | Miscellaneous |
| Seed saving notes | Perennial, can cross-pollinate |
| Key nutritional content | Low calorie complement |