Viola sp. ex China
15 seeds per packet.
The seeds we offer have been harvested from plants grown by us from a seed collection from China. An unknown species, which after some research would appear to be Viola philippica as it is the only species that seems to match its distinctive foliage. This Viola has white flowers but so far it has only produced cleistogamous seed pods here so we currently have no photo. Viola philippica although purple flowered sometimes produces white flowers so, for the time being, we think that this is a white form of that species. Moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Height 15 cm.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Sow from autumn to early spring. Cover seed thinly, press in gently and keep top of compost from drying out. Keep pot outdoors or in cold frame over winter. Seeds germinate in spring.
Alternatively, if seeds can’t be sown in autumn or early spring use the following method: mix seeds with damp vermiculite and place inside a ziplock bag, keep bag somewhere warm for 3 weeks, then place in fridge (not freezer) for 8 weeks. Next spread mixture on top of a pot, thinly cover with compost or grit and keep warm at 15 to 20°C until germination, then move to somewhere cooler.
Carefully prick out seedlings when they have developed true leaves and are large enough to transplant to individual pots for growing on.