Overview:
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is a woodland plant and a subspecies of Viola bakeri. It belongs to the violet family (Violaceae) and is commonly known as Baker's violet or great-spurred violet. This perennial herbaceous plant is widespread in western North America, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Appearance:
V. bakeri ssp. grandis has a basal rosette of heart-shaped, dark green leaves that grow up to 10 centimeters long. The plant produces upright stems up to 20 centimeters tall, each bearing a single flower in late winter or early spring. The violet flowers are showy and typically 3-4 centimeters across, with five petals differing in hues from lavender to deep violet. The lowermost petal of the flower has a prominent dark purple vein and a long purple spur at its base.
Uses:
Although Baker's violet is mainly used as an ornamental plant, it has also been traditionally used by several indigenous tribes in North America for medicinal purposes. For example, the Thompson people of British Columbia used the plant to treat stomach ailments and colds. The Okanagon-Colville people in the same region used the plant as a pain reliever and to alleviate headaches.
Additionally, Baker's violet is a food source for insects such as bees, butterflies, and moths. The plant's seeds are dispersed by ants through a process known as myrmecochory, where the ants carry the seeds to their nest, store them, and, in doing so, help to disperse the seed.
Overall, Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is a beautiful and beneficial plant that offers a range of benefits to humans and nature alike.
Growth Conditions of Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker, commonly known as Baker's violet, grows best under cool and damp conditions. This species is native to southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, where it grows in the understory of coniferous forests and in wet meadows.
Light Requirements
Baker's violet prefers partial shade to full shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. When grown in full sun, the leaves of this plant will wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in a location with dappled sunlight or a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cool growing conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C). It will not tolerate high temperatures or dry soil conditions very well. If the temperatures get too high for Baker's violet, the plant will mature quickly and then go dormant. If the temperatures remain cool, the plant will continue to grow and produce flowers throughout the growing season.
Soil Requirements
Baker's violet prefers well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soil. It grows best in rich organic soil that is high in humus. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. It is essential to ensure good drainage, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost or leaf mold to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation methods
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Plant it in a location with partial shade to full sun exposure. The best time to plant it is during spring, after the last frost. Space the plants at least six to eight inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering needs
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker requires moderate watering. Ensure that the plant receives enough moisture to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter season. Water it early in the morning to reduce the chances of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer to Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker every four to six weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. You can use a liquid or granular fertilizer applied to the soil. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application rates. Avoid over-fertilization as it may damage the plant.
Pruning
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker requires minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Trim the plant back by a third at the onset of winter to promote healthy growth in the spring.
Propagation of Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker, commonly known as Baker's violet, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. The propagation of Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is typically done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by Seeds
One common method of propagating Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is through seed propagation. Seeds are obtained from the flowers and sown in a seed-starting mix. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring or fall. The seeds need a cool and moist environment to germinate. It is best to keep the soil temperature between 60-70°F (16-21°C). The seeds will germinate in approximately two weeks.
Propagation by Division
Another popular method of propagation is through division. When Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker grows large enough, it can be divided into smaller plants. The plant should be dug up during the early spring or fall, and carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and stems. After which, the new plants can be re-planted in the garden or grown in containers.
Propagation by Cuttings
A third method for propagating Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and planting it in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be placed in a warm and moist environment for it to root. Once the cutting develops roots, it can be planted in soil.
Propagation of Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker through any of these methods is easy when done correctly. With proper care, the new plants will grow and flourish, providing lovely flowers for years to come.
Disease Management for Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots, and crown rot. Powdery mildew is a common disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. Fungal leaf spots are caused by several fungi and appear as brown spots with yellow halos. Crown rot is a soilborne disease that causes the plant to wilt and eventually die.
The best way to manage powdery mildew is to ensure proper air circulation around the plant and to water the plant at the base, avoiding getting the leaves wet. Fungal leaf spots can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and providing good air circulation. For crown rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering and to remove and destroy infected plants and soil.
Pest Management for Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker
Viola bakeri Greene ssp. grandis M.S. Baker is susceptible to several pests, including aphids, slugs and snails, and spider mites. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems, causing distortions and reduce growth. Slugs and snails feed on young leaves and can cause extensive damage to the plant. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves.
To manage aphids, natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the plant. Slugs and snails can be managed by placing copper barriers around the plants or using slug pellets. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to increase humidity and applying insecticidal soap.
