Viola Cornuta ‘Large Flower Mix’ Seeds

Viola Cornuta ‘Large Flower Mix’ are the tough, reliable siblings to the showier pansies, capable of flowering for months on end even in the face of the erratic British weather. This specific mix combines the robust, weather-resistant habit of a wild violet with the larger, colourful blooms typically associated with pansies, creating a joyful riot of velvet purples, sunny yellows, icy whites, and sky blues, many featuring those classic “face” markings.

These are versatile all-rounders, equally happy in window boxes, hanging baskets, or at the front of a border. They are noted for being tougher in wind and rain than large-flowered pansies, making them a more resilient choice for exposed UK gardens. Best of all, they are “cut-and-come-again” flowers; picking them for small posies or using them as an edible garnish actually encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

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Understanding the Plant

Viola cornuta is an exceptionally Hardy Perennial (H7), though it is often grown as a biennial or annual in the UK to ensure the most vibrant display. It is one of the hardiest plants in the cottage garden, capable of surviving temperatures well below -15C.

Unlike their larger pansy relatives, these tufted violets remain compact and mound-forming, making them ideal for the edges of paths. They have a remarkable ability to bloom through both the winter and the height of summer, depending on when they are sown. They are also famous for their longevity, often returning for several years if given a cool, moist spot to rest during the hottest months.

Wildlife Champion: The open, accessible flowers are a vital resource for early-emerging bees and hoverflies. Because they can bloom in the very early spring and late autumn, they provide nectar during the “hungry gap” when few other flowers are available.

Growing Guide

Violas are famously easy to grow, provided you follow the one golden rule: they must have darkness to germinate.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April for summer flowers, or June to September for flowers the following spring. Surface sow onto moist compost but cover the seeds completely with a 5mm layer of compost or vermiculite to block out all light. Keep the tray at a cool 15-20C and seedlings should appear in 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out after hardening off. Violas thrive in full sun or partial shade. In the UK, they perform best if they receive some afternoon shade during the intense mid-summer heat. They prefer cool, moist, and nutrient-rich soil; adding a handful of well-rotted leaf mould or compost to the planting hole will keep them flowering longer.

Ongoing Care:
Deadhead regularly! This is the secret to getting a Viola to flower for six months straight. Snip off faded blooms to prevent seed pods from forming. If the plants become leggy in August, give them a “haircut” by cutting them back by half and feeding them with a liquid seaweed fertiliser; they will quickly produce a fresh flush of foliage and flowers for the autumn.

Plant Specifications

Beautiful Garden Combinations

Violas are the ultimate “knitting” plants, filling gaps and creating colourful skirts for taller varieties :

• Alyssum ‘Royal Carpet’: The Low-Level Layer. Pairing the multi-coloured faces of the Violas with a frothy carpet of purple and white Alyssum creates a dense, colourful ground cover that smells divine.
• Forget-me-not ‘Victoria Mixed’: The Spring Classic. For a romantic spring display, plant Violas alongside compact Forget-me-nots; they share the same love of cool soil and provide a multi-layered cloud of pastel blooms.

Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring for summer flowers, or late summer for winter and early spring blooms.

Edible & Delicious
Viola flowers are 100% edible and have a delicate, slightly sweet flavour reminiscent of mild lettuce. They make spectacular cake decorations, can be frozen into ice cubes for summer cocktails, or used to add a high-end “florist look” to salads and desserts.

Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Violas