Johnny jump-up
Johnny jump up (Viola tricolor) is a delicate but hardy perennial herb. Native to the countryside of Europe, Johnny jump ups are often planted in meadows and under trees. It is a hardy ground cover you can plant in part or full sun, or even in partial shade. Its tricolor daisy-like flowers sit atop a wiry, low-growing, dark green foliage that quickly spreads. The 1/2-inch blooms are deep purple, lavender and white, and can bloom throughout the season.
The most important thing for successful Johnny Jump Up growth is careful irrigation. During the summer months when they are actively growing and blooming, water your little violet generously and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the cold winter months, water the soil just enough to keep it from drying out completely. Over-watering kills the plant. Moderate water is necessary all year for Johnny Jump Up.
Johnny jump up is a flexible plant and can take a full 12 hours of sunshine or grow well in partial shade. When it is planted in a sunny spot, Johnny Jump up should be kept well-watered. When potted, the species prefers bright, indirect light or some direct sunlight; harsh or direct light that is too hot may burn its leaves. Partial shade is also suitable, or it could be grown indoors near a south-facing, bright window.
The optimal temperature for Johnny Jump Up in Fahrenheit is between 40-85F (4-29C). Too much temperature outside of these ranges can cause heat and cold damage. The plant will also need to be protected during cool snaps in the warmer months, just as it should be protected from the heat during the cooler months. If it is kept too hot for too long, it will scorch and possibly die.
Johnny Jump Ups generally prefer high humidity. During the growing season, the humidity level should be between 40-60%. During wintertime, the humidity should be somewhere around 70-90%. The more humidity the plant is exposed to, the better. Low humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and can even lead to leaf damage or browning.
Johnny Jump Up grows best in soil that is well-draining but reasonably moist. A fast-draining potting soil, cactus potting soil, or a mix of equal parts potting soil and compost or perlite works best. The soil should be kept slightly on the acidic side between 6.0-7.0. If the pH is too high (alkaline) it will cause the flowers to be smaller and wilted. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Johnny Jump Up is relatively low maintenance and does not require much in the way of fertilization. An annual application of balanced liquid fertilizer in the spring is enough to keep your plants healthy and thriving. If you use a slow-release fertilizer, apply it just once every spring; too much fertilizer can burn your plants or impede flowering. Organic fertilizers are also a good option.
Johnny Jump Up is relatively pest free if grown in its ideal conditions. It is prone to attack by aphids, spider mites, slugs, and caterpillars. The most common pest problem with Johnny Jump Up is aphids. These tiny bugs leave marks on the tips of the leaves or create a sooty mold on the foliage. The best way to get rid of them is by using an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or another type of organic insecticide. To prevent pests, it’s important to keep the plant well-watered and the soil healthy.
Johnny Jump Up should be repotted once every two years or so when the pot begins to show signs of age and when the roots start to outgrow the container. Repotting should take place in the spring when the plant has finished blooming. When it is time to repot, select a new pot that is only a size or two larger than the current pot. Allow the soil to dry between watering and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Though Johnny Jump Up is a low-maintenance plant, it does require some gentle pruning. Trim off dead leaves and aging flowers to keep the plant looking neat and to encourage further blooming. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring and pay attention to any wilted or dead foliage. The more you trim, the more full and blooming your Johnny Jump Up will become.
Mulch your Johnny Jump Up with composted leaves or an organic material to help the soil stay moist and reduce weeds. The mulch should be applied in the fall or early spring right around the base of the plant. Make sure to pull any weeds that may grow near the Johnny Jump Up and clear out any old mulch that has been around for a few years.
Johnny Jump Up is easiest propagated via seed. In spring, gently sow the seeds into small pots and cover lightly with compost or fine soil, then lightly water. Germination is fast and easy; Johnny Jump Up will sprout within a week. Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and bushiness and wait until the plants are large enough to be replanted in your garden.
Johnny Jump Up generally does not need support. It naturally grows low to the ground and cascades to cover whatever it is planted in. If you want it to arch and cascade over a wall or side of a container, you can tie it to a stake or trellis.
Johnny Jump Up doesn’t require a rest period, but it does go dormant in the winter months. During this period, the foliage will turn brown and the plant will stop producing flowers until the winter has passed and a new growing season begins. During this time, reduce watering and care for the plant minimally.
No, Johnny Jump Up is not toxic to pets. It’s not edible, so they should be kept away from the foliage and flowers, but it should not harm them if ingested.
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