How to grow Viola in New Zealand
Violas and pansies are cheerful, hardy little flowers with painted faces that brighten the garden and pots through the cool months. Their flowers are edible, with a mild, slightly sweet taste for salads and cake decorating. Sow or plant them from late summer to autumn for colour through winter and spring, and keep picking or deadheading for months of flowers.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Viola in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to March | Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | September to March | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | September to February | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Feb so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: The native New Zealand violet, and sweet violet, which are perennial ground covers with smaller flowers.
Where to plant
Violas and pansies grow in sun or shade in moist, free-draining, fertile soil. In warmer areas, protection from hot afternoon sun keeps them flowering longer. They are perfect for pots, baskets and the edges of beds.
- Northland to Wellington and Nelson: sow from late summer through autumn for winter and spring flowers, and again in late winter to early spring.
- Canterbury: keep sowing through spring and early summer with steady watering, and make the last sowing in March.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: start spring sowings in September, when the soil has warmed; cool summers let you keep sowing to December. Make the last sowing in February or March.
Choosing a variety
- Violas have smaller, more numerous flowers and are tougher and more weather resistant than pansies.
- Pansies have larger, showier faces.
- Heartsease is a small, old-fashioned viola that self-seeds freely.
- Edible flower mixes are sold for kitchen gardens.
How to plant
- Sow seed in autumn on the surface of seed-raising mix, press it in lightly and cover the tray with newspaper or cardboard, as the seed germinates best in the dark.
- Keep the mix moist, and remove the cover once seedlings appear.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 5 to 7 cm tall, about 15 to 25 cm apart.
- Water in well and mulch.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist. Feed every few weeks with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants, especially in pots.
Pruning and care through the year
- Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong flowering.
- Cut back leggy plants by half in late spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Violas self-seed freely, so let a few set seed if you want them to come back.
Harvesting
Pick open flowers in the morning for salads, garnishes and decorating cakes. Use only flowers that have not been sprayed. Picking also keeps the plants flowering.
Growing in pots
Violas and pansies are ideal pot and basket plants. Use a quality potting mix, keep it moist and feed regularly.
Companion planting
Violas are low and fit at the edges of vegetable and fruit beds, where their flowers bring in early pollinators.
Good companions
- Lettuce Shares the cool season and the same moist soil.
- Strawberry A low edging that flowers alongside strawberries in spring.
Pests and diseases
Slugs, snails and aphids are the main pests, and powdery mildew appears in damp, still spots.
Pests to watch for
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on the leaves, especially in damp areas.
Common questions
Are viola flowers edible?
Yes. Viola and pansy flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and are used in salads and to decorate cakes. Only eat flowers that have not been sprayed.
What is the difference between violas and pansies?
Pansies have bigger, showier flowers. Violas have smaller, more numerous flowers and are generally tougher and more weather resistant.
When should I plant violas?
From late summer into autumn for winter and spring flowers, and again in spring in cooler areas. Choose your region at the top of the page.
How do I keep violas flowering?
Remove spent flowers regularly, keep the soil moist and feed every few weeks.
Will violas come back next year?
They often self-seed, especially heartsease types, so new plants appear the following season.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow violas; Tui: Pansy and viola growing guide; Kings Seeds: Viola edible flower mix.