How to Grow Penny Violet
Wikimedia Commons
Penny Violet
Viola odorata 'Penny'
flowerPenny Violet is a charming dwarf variety of sweet violet, producing delicate purple flowers on compact plants just 4-6 inches tall. This low-growing perennial is perfect for edging, containers, and rock gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and fragrant blooms. It blooms prolifically in spring and can rebloom in cooler fall weather.
When should you plant Penny Violet in your zone?
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Example Penny Violet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Penny Violet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Penny Violet blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Penny Violet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, preferring cooler climates; tolerates cold winters well
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seed germinates slowly, developing first true leaves and forming a small rosette
Keep soil moist and cool (60-65°F). Provide bright indirect light. Be patient—germination can take 10-20 days.
Juvenile/Vegetative
4-6 weeksSmall plant establishes root system and develops multiple leaf rosettes, spreading via runners (stolons)
Allow stolons to root for natural mat formation. Water regularly. Begin light feeding with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Flowering (Spring)
4-8 weeks (March-May depending on zone)Compact plant produces abundant purple flowers with darker centers and fragrant petals
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Ensure adequate moisture during flowering. Maintain cool temperatures.
Summer Rest
8-12 weeksGrowth slows in hot weather; plant may appear dormant or produce sparse foliage and few flowers
Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water consistently. Reduce fertilizer. Wait for cooler fall temperatures for rebloom.
Fall Rebloom/Dormancy
4-6 weeks (September-November)Plant revives as temperatures cool, producing a second flush of flowers before winter dormancy sets in
Resume deadheading and regular watering. In cold zones, plant enters dormancy under snow cover. Mulch lightly to protect.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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and
Hand-pick at night; use copper tape barriers; apply slug bait or diatomaceous earth
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; water at soil level only
Uses
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryPenny Violet flowers are sweet, fragrant, and edible, making them elegant garnishes for desserts, salads, and beverages. They can be candied with egg white and sugar for decorative confections. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalSweet violet has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to support respiratory health and soothe coughs. Modern herbalists value the cooling, demulcent properties of violet flowers and leaves. [source]
Fragrance & Perfumery
HouseholdThe delicate, sweet fragrance of Penny Violet flowers has been prized historically in perfumery and fragrance-making. Fresh or dried flowers can scent linens and rooms naturally. [source]
Botanical Pressing & Crafts
CraftThe delicate purple flowers press beautifully and retain color, making them ideal for pressed flower art, cards, bookmarks, and natural dyes. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifePenny Violet provides early-season nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects emerging in spring, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick flowers in the morning after dew dries for best fragrance and freshness. Gently pinch or snip flower stems just above a leaf node. Regular harvesting and deadheading encourage more blooms. Flowers are edible and can be used fresh or candied.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Penny Violets exhibit a fascinating reproductive strategy: they produce showy flowers in spring that rarely set seed, but later in summer produce hidden, self-pollinating flowers below the foliage that reliably produce seeds.
- 🌱 The flowers contain a compound called ionone that temporarily desensitizes the nose to violet's scent, which is why the fragrance seems to disappear even though it's still present—sniffing something else resets the olfactory receptors.
- 🌱 Violets have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and were Napoleon Bonaparte's favorite flower; his devotion to violets became a symbol of his supporters during exile.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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