How to Grow Parma Violet

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Parma Violet

Viola odorata 'Parma'

flower

Parma Violet is a highly fragrant, double-flowered cultivar of sweet violet with soft lavender-blue blooms and dense, velvety petals. This heirloom variety is prized for its intense, sweet fragrance and compact growth habit, making it ideal for containers and shaded garden spots. It has been cultivated since the 19th century and remains a favorite for perfumery and ornamental use.

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Example Parma Violet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Parma Violet
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Parma Violet blooms
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Parma Violet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to dappled shade, 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Protect from hot afternoon sun, especially in zones 8-9.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season and reduce watering in winter dormancy. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first bloom after planting

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Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds; space transplants 8 inches apart

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage Leaf mold

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in cooler climates (zones 4-6)

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 2-3 weeks. Growth is slow and delicate.

Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (55-65°F). Provide bright, indirect light. Keep soil never fully dry or soggy.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops heart-shaped leaves in rosette formation, creating a compact mound. Stolons (runners) may form along soil surface.

Pinch back runners to encourage bushy growth if desired. Maintain cool conditions and partial shade. Feed lightly with balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks.

Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Tight clusters of flower buds appear on short stems among the foliage, typically in late winter to early spring in cooler zones.

Ensure consistent moisture and cool nights (50-60°F). Apply diluted phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering. Reduce nitrogen feeding.

Flowering

6-12 weeks (winter to spring primary; may re-bloom in fall)

Double flowers with multiple layers of soft lavender-blue petals open in succession over many weeks. Intensely fragrant blooms appear above foliage.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Maintain consistent watering and cool conditions. Avoid fertilizing during peak bloom.

Dormancy & Rest

4-6 months (summer dormancy in warm zones; winter dormancy minimal in cool zones)

Plant slows growth in summer heat or late fall, foliage may appear tired. Plant enters semi-dormant state.

Reduce watering frequency. Move containers to shadiest location in summer heat. Cut back dead foliage in fall. Mulch outdoor plantings.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Epimedium Pulmonaria Ajuga Hostas Ferns Bleeding heart Primrose

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring full sun only Drought-tolerant plants Invasive spreading plants like mint

Common Pests

and
Remove by hand, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, or use slug pellets carefully. Encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning. Improve air circulation to reduce severity.
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves. Treat with sulfur spray or baking soda solution if severe.
Increase humidity and mist foliage (avoiding flowers). Spray with water or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Remove and destroy galled leaves immediately. No chemical control highly effective; focus on sanitation and preventing spread.

Uses

🍳

Candied flowers & garnish

Culinary

Parma Violet flowers can be crystallized with egg white and sugar for elegant cake decorations, or used fresh to garnish salads and desserts. The flavor is mildly sweet and floral. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Historically used in herbal medicine for respiratory support and to soothe coughs. Violet leaf tea has traditionally been used as a gentle demulcent and lymphatic herb. [source]

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Perfumery & fragrance

Craft

Parma Violet is highly valued in the perfume industry for its deep, sweet fragrance. Essential oil and absolutes are used in high-end fragrances and cosmetics. [source]

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Fresh cut flowers & arrangements

Household

The intensely fragrant blooms are perfect for small bouquets, posies, and indoor arrangements. A single stem can perfume an entire room. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Parma Violets provide early nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during late winter and early spring when food sources are scarce. [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 early morning when fragrance is strongest. Gently pinch or cut stems just below the flower. Flowers last 3-5 days in a vase with fresh water. Harvest regularly to encourage more blooms. Flowers are edible and can be candied or used fresh in salads and desserts.

Fun Facts

🌱 Parma Violet was especially popular during the Victorian era and was cultivated extensively in England and Europe during the 19th century for commercial flower production and perfume extraction.
🌱 The double flowers of Parma Violet are sterile and produce no seed; the plant is propagated exclusively by division of runners or layering, making it a true heirloom cultivar passed through generations.
🌱 The intense fragrance of Parma Violet contains ionones, which temporarily desensitize the olfactory receptors—this is why the scent seems to fade even though the flower still smells as strongly; waiting a few minutes allows your nose to 'reset' and perceive the fragrance again.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Heirloom Mulch Partial Shade pH Pinch Back Runner True Leaves

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