Labrador Violet Viola labradorica ambig.

Water

Labrador Violet should be watered regularly, providing consistent moisture without overwatering. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. During active growth in spring and summer, water the plant approximately once a week with about one gallon of water, depending on climate and indoor conditions. In the cooler months, reduce watering slightly, but do not let the soil dry out completely. It's essential to ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

Labrador Violets thrive best in partial shade to full shade. They should be placed in a spot where they receive filtered sunlight or only a few hours of morning sun, avoiding intense afternoon light. An ideal location is under trees that provide dappled shade or in a north-facing garden area where direct sunlight is limited.

Temperature

Labrador Violets prefer cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged periods of extreme cold. They will perform best if not exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so ensure a cool environment during hot summer months.

Pruning

Prune Labrador Violets to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks, which encourages new growth and more blooms. Pruning is best done in the spring or right after flowering to maintain plant shape and health. Occasional thinning of the foliage can also stimulate air circulation, reducing the potential for fungal diseases. Pruning every couple of months or as needed to keep up appearances is generally sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Labrador Violet prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. An ideal soil mix includes garden loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Labrador Violet should be repotted every 1-2 years, in the spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Labrador Violet thrives best in average to high humidity levels, similar to its native woodland habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch around, and ensure soil stays damp.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Viola labradorica, commonly known as the Labrador violet, begins its life as a seed, usually dispersed by ecological factors such as animals or water. Upon finding suitable moist and shady conditions, the seed germinates, and a small seedling emerges, developing a root system and a rosette of heart-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, growing larger and producing more leaves, which are characterized by their purplish hue and are capable of photosynthesis, enabling the plant to gather energy from the sun. Once mature enough, the Labrador violet enters the reproductive stage, producing small, typically lavender to purple flowers with distinctive lower petals and a spur; these flowers are capable of self-pollination but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce fruits, which are capsules containing seeds that are ejected from the parent plant to propagate the next generation. Finally, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during unfavorable seasons, typically winter, suspending growth until more favorable conditions return in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Viola labradorica, commonly known as Alpine violet, is typically propagated through seed sowing. This is done by collecting seeds from the plant after the flowers have faded and the seed pods have dried. Once collected, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in fall to allow a natural stratification period over the winter months, which encourages spring germination. However, for a controlled environment or if immediate planting is not feasible, stratification can be artificially done by placing the seeds in a moist medium such as sand or peat moss and then refrigerating them at a temperature of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7-4.4 degrees Celsius) for 4-6 weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in containers or flats with well-draining soil and lightly covered. The containers should be placed in a shaded area and kept consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which can take several weeks depending on the temperature and conditions. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into their permanent positions.