Description

A charming and dainty flowering herb, known for its tricolour blooms and traditional medicinal uses. Well-suited to UK gardens and great for both beginners and experienced growers.

Highlights:

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  Harvesting Season: May to September


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  Height & Spread: 15–25cm height | 20–30cm spread


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  Position: Full sun to partial shade | Moist, fertile, well-drained soil


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  Great for: Kitchen gardens, containers, cottage gardens, windowsills, raised beds

Why We Love It:

Heart-Ease (Viola tricolor) is a historic favourite in herbal and ornamental gardens alike. With its cheerful violet, yellow, and white flowers, this compact, low-growing plant is ideal for adding colour to beds, borders, or pots. The flowers are edible and traditionally used for teas or as pretty, mild-tasting garnishes. It’s self-seeding, easy to grow, and a magnet for pollinators.

Planting & Care Tips:

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  When to Plant: Sow outdoors from March to May or late summer for autumn germination


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  Where to Plant: Sunny or lightly shaded spot, in well-drained soil


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  Spacing: 15–20cm apart


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  Care Notes: Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to encourage more blooms. Let a few flowers go to seed if you want natural re-sowing

The Nunhead Gardener Recommends:

Grow in a sunny container near the kitchen door for easy access to edible blooms. Lovely combined with calendula and borage for a cottage-garden look with added pollinator appeal.

Please note:

Images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.