Description
Johnny Jump-Up - A Classical Garden Violet
An ancestor of the modern pansy with delicate purple and yellow flowers growing to about 9" tall from spring to fall. Johnny Jump-ups produce many more flowers over a longer season than pansies and are much more heat tolerant.
A native wildflower in Spain and the Pyrenees mountains, the flowers are edible and free blooming all season. Also known as viola, wild pansy and heart’s ease.
History
Long before cultivated pansies appeared in 1839, Johnny Jump-ups were associated with thought in the "language of flowers", often called by their French based name of pansy (from the French "pensée", or thought).
Growing Tip
Plant Johnny Jump-up seed in spring or fall, and choose a place with rich soil and plenty of moisture, but good drainage. Once established, this species often spreads rapidly, but is always loved, not hated for its spreading habits.
Unlike most wildflowers, this one needs darkness to germinate, so a very thin covering of soil over the seed is recommended.
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