How to Grow Viola in New Zealand
Edible violas and pansies with a mild, slightly sweet flavour, ideal as a garnish. Plant through the cooler months for a long run of flowers, deadhead regularly, and they will self-seed freely.
When to plant viola in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best viola varieties for NZ
- Johnny Jump Up (Heartsease) — Tiny tricolour faces in purple, yellow and white. Self-seeds happily and the flowers are edible. (Yates NZ, Egmont Seeds)
- Sorbet Mixed — Compact violas in a wide pastel and bright colour range. Great for pots and winter colour. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Kings Plant Barn)
How to grow viola
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 70 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow viola near: Lettuce, Strawberry.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Viola plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant viola in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy viola seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Yates NZ, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.