Violas

Violas are the excellent choice for winter spring flowerbeds. You may place them between other flowers too, especially tulips and other spring bulbs. They bloom and will continue to bloom throughout the winter and spring until your summer flowers take over. They are also colorful in window boxes and winter container gardens. 

Place violas where they will receive full or partial sun. They thrive in full sun, but full shade reduces the number of flowers. It will also cause the plants to become spindly. You can buy seedlings in late summer or fall at Forest Lake Greenhouses. Space plants for bedding about 8-12 inches apart. 

Avoid high levels of nitrogen – it can cause plants to produce soft foliage, few blooms, and to rot easily. Always water violas before applying any kind of fertilizer to prevent burning the plant foliage. Remove the flowers that are fading to encourage the plants to produce more buds and blooms.