How to Grow Viola Penny
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Viola Penny
Viola × wittrockiana 'Penny'
flowerViola Penny is a compact pansy variety known for its cheerful, large flowers and bushy growth habit. These cold-tolerant annuals or short-lived perennials bloom prolifically from fall through spring in cool climates, offering vibrant color when many other plants are dormant. The Penny series is prized for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets due to its reliable performance and ease of care.
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Example Viola Penny timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Viola Penny
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 Viola Penny blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Viola Penny dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with peak performance in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerge with characteristic pansy foliage; plant develops small root system
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light (grow lights if needed). Maintain 60-70°F. Avoid damping-off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops compact, bushy growth with multiple stems. Leaves are rounded and mid-green. No flowers yet.
Pinch back growing tips once or twice to encourage bushiness. Maintain moderate moisture. Begin weekly feeding with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear in leaf axils and at stem tips. Buds are tightly closed with visible sepals.
Continue moderate watering and feeding. Ensure good air circulation. Remove any diseased foliage.
Flowering
8-16 weeks (fall through spring in most climates)Large, distinctly-marked flowers with velvety petals open. Penny series displays continuous blooms with varied color patterns.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to phosphorus-rich formula. Cooler temperatures (50-65°F) extend bloom duration.
Decline
Variable; typically 2-4 weeks as conditions warmFlowering slows as temperatures warm. Plant becomes leggy and production decreases. Seeds may form if flowers aren't deadheaded.
In hot climates, allow plant to decline and replace with summer annuals. In cooler regions, continue deadheading and provide afternoon shade to extend season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Maintain humidity around plants.
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Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use slug baits, copper tape barriers, or beer traps. Remove debris and excess moisture.
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage. Spray with sulfur or fungicides if needed. Remove affected leaves.
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Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Improve air circulation. Use sterile soil. Apply fungicide to soil if rot appears.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryViola Penny flowers are edible and add color and subtle flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. They are completely non-toxic and can be candied or used as fresh garnishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalViola species have a long history in herbalism, traditionally used to support respiratory health and skin conditions. The flowers and leaves contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Winter & Spring Color
HouseholdViola Penny excels at providing vibrant color when few other plants bloom, making it essential for fall and spring garden displays, window boxes, and containers through cold months. [source]
Dried Flowers & Pressing
CraftViola flowers press beautifully and can be used in dried flower arrangements, crafts, greeting cards, and botanical art projects. Their flat shape makes them ideal for pressing. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeViola flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during cool seasons when other nectar sources are scarce. The open flower form makes them highly accessible to pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Violas are grown for ornamental blooms, not harvested for produce. Cut flowers for arrangements by snipping stems early in the morning when fully hydrated. Removing spent flowers encourages more blooms. If you wish to collect seeds, allow some flowers to remain undeadheaded late in the season; seeds will drop or can be collected when pods turn brown and papery.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Viola Penny series was developed specifically for its compact, well-branched habit and ability to produce flowers earlier than standard pansy varieties—making them popular for commercial nurseries and home gardeners alike.
- 🌱 Violas are true cool-season champions: they often bloom better and produce more vibrant colors when temperatures drop below 60°F, thriving through frost and even light snow, while many summer annuals have already faded.
- 🌱 In some regions, Viola Penny can behave as a short-lived perennial, especially in zones 6-8, sometimes reseeding or regrowing the following season if conditions are ideal.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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