The Best Way To Deadhead Viola Flowers Is So Quick & Easy

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Flowers add color and life to any outdoor space and are a simple pleasure in life that brings joy. There are so many different varieties of colorful plants to grow in your garden, that will suit your particular style as well as your lifestyle. It's no secret that gardening takes a lot of time and effort, so making sure to do your research first, before planting, is key. This includes how to grow and care for your plants, and in the case of pretty violas, how to deadhead them correctly.

The Viola species encapsulates a wide range of flowers that are commonly known as pansies (Viola × wittrockiana), common violets (Viola odorata), and heartsease (Viola tricolor). There are many different types, some that are perennials and some of which are annuals. However, the great thing about Violas is that they are prolific self seeders and will delight you with their presence year after year.

Best of all, violas are one of those pretty plants that thrive without direct sunlight in your yard because they prefer cooler conditions and don't mind a bit of afternoon shade. But, in order to make sure they flower right through spring and summer, you'll need to deadhead them. The quickest and easiest way to deadhead viola flowers is to follow the flower stem right down to its base and cut it at this junction. Don't make the common mistake of only plucking off the flower head at the end of the stem. Leaving a bare stem is both unattractive and takes away the plant's energy to produce more blooms.

When you're removing the viola flower stems, you can just pinch them off with your fingers, but be careful when you're doing this, so you don't rip up the plant itself. That's why it's much better to cut the stems with a pair of small garden shears or even kitchen scissors. Now, you may be thinking, if I have to deadhead viola flowers to encourage them to rebloom, then how often should I be doing this? There is no exact rule or science to it, but you should be removing the spent flowers once the petals have faded — probably around once a week.

When it comes to other tips for taking care of your violas, there are a few things you should follow. Violas appreciate regular watering, but make sure the soil doesn't become too wet — a happy medium is key. Simply let the soil dry out before giving them another healthy dose of water. It's also a good idea to encourage the growth and regrowth of your viola flowers with a liquid feed, such as the Schultz All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. It isn't necessary., but is recommended if you want to get the most out of your violas. Don't be scared to repot your viola flowers either, if they're getting a little large for their current container.