There are over 500 different species in the Viola genus, including annuals, perennials, and even some subshrubs. Many self-seed and give you years of enjoyment. Violas are edible flowers and make unexpected garnishes and salad ingredients. They can also be candied for a frosty effect or to decorate cakes or other sweets. Violas tend to have small flowers and tolerate heat, with a long blooming season from early summer to early fall. Pansies have larger, more intensely colored flowers and are most commonly used as winter bedding. However, there is such a wide selection of violas that you can find a plant to suit any garden situation, from hanging baskets to patio containers to woodland borders.
These cheerful, edible, cool-season flowers are easy to grow and a delight in the garden. Discover everything you need to know about growing bright, cheery violas, in this brief practical guide.