Origin
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata, also known as the California golden violet, is a plant species native to California and parts of Oregon in the United States. It is commonly found in coastal scrub, chaparral, and open woodlands.
Common Names
The California golden violet has several common names, including Johnny-jump-up, Yellow pansy, and Pedunculate violet.
Uses
The California golden violet is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its bright yellow flowers and delicate appearance. It is also sometimes seen growing in the wild and can be used as a groundcover. Historically, Native American tribes such as the Pomo used the plant medicinally to treat ailments such as headaches, stomach problems, and fever.
General Appearance
The California golden violet is a small perennial herb that grows up to 12 inches tall. The leaves are heart-shaped and have toothed edges, growing up to 4 inches long. The flowers are yellow and have five petals with purple veins, blooming from March to May. The fruit is a small dark-colored capsule containing many seeds. Overall, the plant has a delicate and dainty appearance, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Typical Growth Conditions of Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata, commonly known as Johnny jump-up or yellow pansy, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to Western North America. This plant is easy to care for and can grow well in a variety of conditions, including in partial to full sun and loamy, well-drained soils.
Light Requirements
Johnny jump-up prefers partial to full sun and will thrive in a location that receives at least four hours of sunlight per day. However, it can also grow in partial shade conditions, but the plant may produce fewer flowers in full shade.
Temperature Requirements
Viola pedunculata ssp. pedunculata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where temperatures can vary from -20°F to 100°F. However, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated during periods of high heat to prevent the leaves and flowers from wilting.
Soil Requirements
Johnny jump-up requires well-drained soils and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and gravelly soils. However, it does not grow well in heavy, clay soils that are poorly drained. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To promote healthy growth, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting.
Cultivation Methods for Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata, commonly known as Johnny Jump-up, is a cool-season plant that grows well in regions with a moderate climate. To cultivate this plant, start by choosing a location with partial shade or full sun, and fertile, well-draining soil. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Once you have selected a suitable location, dig holes about twice the size of the root ball and place the plants, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil's surface. Cover the roots with soil and compost, and water the seedlings thoroughly to ensure they establish roots properly. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering Needs of Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata requires a moderate amount of water. It prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. One way to check if the plants need water is by sticking your finger into the soil up to an inch. If it feels dry, water the plants immediately. If the soil is still damp, wait for a few days before checking again. During the summer months or in hot, dry weather, water the plants more frequently. Water the plants in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation and reduce the risk of scorching the leaves.
Fertilization of Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
A common fertilizer for Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata is a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Fertilize the plants in the spring, just before their active growth period begins, and again in the fall before winter sets in. Avoid fertilizing the plants in the summer as it can cause excessive growth and weaken the plants. Dilute the fertilizer according to the package instructions, and apply it to the base of the plants, being careful not to get the fertilizer on the foliage, as it can burn the leaves and cause damage.
Pruning Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
Pruning Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata is not always necessary, but it can help improve the plant's overall shape and appearance. Prune the plants in the early spring, just before the active growth period begins, to remove any dead or damaged foliage. However, be careful not to remove too much of the plant as it can inhibit growth. Additionally, you can deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers to bloom throughout the growing season. To deadhead, cut the spent blooms off with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears just above the nearest set of leaves or buds.
Propagation of Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata, commonly known as the California golden violet, can be propagated through seeds, division, or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata is through seeds. The seeds can be collected when the plant is mature and the capsules have turned brown. The capsules should be collected before they split open and the seeds are lost. The seeds should then be sown in trays or pots filled with a mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Propagation through Division
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some leaves. The sections can then be replanted in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another option for Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata. This method involves taking cuttings from a mature plant in the summer or fall. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should be taken from the non-flowering stems. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of potting soil and perlite. The cuttings should then be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they root, usually in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease Management
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata is susceptible to various disease infections which can negatively impact plant growth. Below are some common diseases that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect Viola pedunculata. It causes a blight on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts immediately. You can also apply sulfur or copper-based fungicides to protect unaffected plant parts from being infected.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight, also known as gray mold, is another fungal disease that can affect Viola pedunculata. This disease causes stem rot, flower blight, and leaf spots. To manage this disease, prune out the infected plant parts and remove them from the growing area. You can also apply a fungicide that contains benomyl or chlorothalonil to protect the unaffected plant parts from being infected.
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot is a soil-borne disease that can cause major damage to the roots of Viola pedunculata. It causes the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. To manage this disease, provide proper drainage to the growing area to prevent waterlogging and avoid over-watering the plants. You can also apply a fungicide that contains mefenoxam or metalaxyl to protect the roots from the pathogen.
Pest Management
Viola pedunculata Torr. & Gray ssp. pedunculata can be attacked by several pests that can cause serious damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that can attack this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth and deformed leaves. To manage aphids, blast them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to control them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. This causes yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, prune off heavily infested leaves, and apply insecticides that contain abamectin or spiromesifen.
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs can cause major damage to Viola pedunculata by feeding on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They leave behind slime trails and holes in the leaves. To manage these pests, handpick them off the plant and remove them from the growing area. You can also apply diatomaceous earth or copper-based fungicides to control them.
