Common Dog Violet Viola riviniana Purpurea Group

Water

Common dog violet should be watered regularly during its growing season, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering it with about 16 ounces of water once or twice a week should suffice, with closer attention during dry spells. During hot summer days, it may require more frequent watering. In the winter, watering should be reduced to prevent the roots from rotting in cold, wet soil. It's important to water the soil directly, rather than overhead watering, to avoid getting the foliage wet and potentially causing fungal diseases.

Light

Common dog violet thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for it would be an area that receives morning sunlight but is shielded from the intense afternoon sun. It can also grow well in dappled light under trees or in similar locations where it is protected from harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Common dog violet prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, making it suitable for outdoor growth in many temperate regions. During extreme heat, the plant will benefit from shaded conditions or mulching to keep the root zone cool.

Pruning

Common dog violet doesn't require extensive pruning, but removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune away any damaged or diseased foliage as needed to keep the plant healthy. The best time for any significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the common dog violet, prepare a soil mix with high organic content, ensure good drainage, and maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

The common dog violet typically doesn’t require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Common dog violets thrive in moderate humidity levels, but they are quite adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana Purpurea Group) begins its life cycle as a seed, often dispersed by animals or by natural elements such as wind or water. Upon finding suitable soil and conditions, the seed germinates, typically in early spring, and a small seedling emerges. The seedling develops into a mature plant with heart-shaped leaves and stems, and during its flowering stage, it produces distinctive purple flowers, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the plant forms fruit capsules that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During the winter, the plant may die back to the ground, but it is a perennial that will regrow from its rootstock when conditions improve in the following spring. Over time, the plant can form vegetative colonies through the spread of its rhizomes, expanding its presence in its habitat.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Propogation: The Viola riviniana Purpurea Group, commonly known as the Purple Wood Violet, is primarily propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time for sowing the seeds of Purple Wood Violet is in late winter to early spring. To propagate by seeds, one should surface sow them in a well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly press them into the soil while ensuring they have good contact with the soil surface. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil but can be gently pressed into the medium to ensure they are not washed away by watering. After sowing, the seeds need to be kept moist, and it is beneficial to provide a period of cold stratification by placing them in a cold frame or refrigerating them for about 4-6 weeks to simulate winter conditions, which encourages germination. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and reached a substantial size, they can be transplanted to their final positions outdoors, preferably in a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil.