How to Plant Johnny Jump Up Flowers
Tip
For regions with mild winters and no spring frost, seed directly into the garden, if desired.
Before seeds form, pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers well into August.
Warning
Treat insect problems immediately with organic or chemical insecticides.
Johnny Jump Ups are the most common viola variety found in home gardens. These perennial flowers are often grown as an annual by most gardeners. They are easy to grow and are considered a wildflower as well as a garden plant. The bright yellow and purple blooms flower early in the spring and summer. Simple to grow for even the novice flower gardener, they bring color to your beds, borders and containers long before summer flowers begin blooming.
Prepare for planting 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
Fill seed starting trays with soil formulated for seed starting. Sow seeds on the soil surface, and cover with 1/8 inch of soil or vermiculite.
- Johnny Jump Ups are the most common viola variety found in home gardens.
- Simple to grow for even the novice flower gardener, they bring color to your beds, borders and containers long before summer flowers begin blooming.
Water thoroughly from the bottom of the tray after planting or by misting with a spray bottle. This avoids washing the seeds away or forcing them too deep into the soil.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in a warm, dark area to germinate—up to 20 days. Maintain soil temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit; place on a heated germination mat, if necessary.
Transplant seedlings to outdoor beds after all danger of frost has passed. Johnny Jump Ups are tolerant of poor to rich soil. Choose a bed with partial to full sun.
- Water thoroughly from the bottom of the tray after planting or by misting with a spray bottle.
- Maintain soil temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit; place on a heated germination mat, if necessary.
Plant seedlings 6 inches apart in rows or clusters. Minimal crowding is acceptable.
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to the garden bed according to package directions. Fertilize a second time one month after planting.
Keep soil moist (especially during dry spells) but not soggy. Apply a light covering of organic mulch to keep weeds down and preserve soil moisture.
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References
Tips
- For regions with mild winters and no spring frost, seed directly into the garden, if desired.
- Before seeds form, pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers well into August.
Warnings
- Treat insect problems immediately with organic or chemical insecticides.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
