Dog Violet

Dog Violet likes evenly moist soil throughout the growing season, but it shouldn't be soggy. Make sure the soil is dryish about a half inch into the soil to the touch before watering. During warm periods, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but never allow it to become saturated.

Dog Violet thrives in partial shade and will tolerate full sun exposures. However, if the sunlight is too strong, its foliage will scorch, the flowers will fade, and the plants won't thrive. If the location doesn't receive at least 2-4 hours of sunlight daily, the flowers will not bloom.

Dog Violet requires moderate temperatures from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4-21.1 degrees Celsius) to thrive. Shade and mulch will help keep the temperature from getting too hot if you are in a warmer area.

Dog Violet likes a humid environment. If you have a dry atmosphere, you may want to mist the foliage once in a while, but avoid getting the flowers wet as this can cause them to rot. Provide adequate drainage or add a peat moss or other soil amendment to the garden soil.

Dog Violet prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5. You can mix peat moss or compost into the potting soil to lighten the soil and increase the acidity. Manure and fertilizers are not necessary.

If you want to promote more blooms, fertilize in the spring with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer or one formulated for flowering plants. However, this is not necessary for the success of the plant and should only be done once per year.

Dog Violets can suffer from the same pests as other flowers, such as aphids, mealybugs, snails, slugs, and caterpillars. If possible, use an insecticidal soap or mild insecticide to treat pest infestations. If heavily infested, it is best to remove and discard the affected parts of the plant.

The roots of Dog Violet can become pot-bound very quickly, so to avoid this repot the plant every 2-3 years. Spring is the best time of the year to repot. It is best to use a potting mixture that is slightly acidic, as this is what the plant prefers.

To encourage more blooming and prevent the plant from becoming leggy with age, pruning is recommended. Pruning should be done after flowering is complete. This includes removing dead, damaged or crossing stems, and thinning out excess or crowded branches. It is important to start pruning in the center of the plant and work your way out.

Mulch is important for giving Dog Violets the moisture they need. Use compost, bark chips or shredded bark as mulch and apply it in the spring, just before the growing season starts. Avoid placing mulch directly against the stem of the plant.

Dog Violet can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seed. The easiest method is division, which can be done in either the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant, split it into two pieces, and replant them into separate pots filled with soil. The cuttings can be done in the spring using the softwood or semi-hardwood from the stem of the plant. Seeds should be sown directly into the soil in the spring.

Dog Violet doesn't need much support. It can tolerate some light shade during the afternoon, but it prefers direct morning sunlight to encourage more blooming.

Dog Violents do not require a rest period and will continue to grow and thrive throughout the growing season. The soil can be kept drier in the winter and a light shade cloth may be needed.

Dog Violet is not toxic to pets and can be enjoyed safely in a household setting.