When I planted johnny-jump-ups last season, I wasn’t exactly sold on the idea that I would like them. In general, I tend to always gravitate towards things that are big and showy. However, I bought them in hopes that they would reward me with even more early season color. For me, winter is a really difficult time to get through, and honestly, I need all the help that I can get!
As it turns out, the whole process was really easy. I started the viola seeds around mid July. Simply, I sowed the seeds into a container in the house and then covered the container with a plastic garbage bag that would not let any light in. I left it at a cool room temperature in my kitchen. I made sure that the seed starting medium remained consistently moist. Voila! Violas! <— See what I did there, lol. 
After the seeds had germinated, I simply moved the container outside for my seedlings to continue growing until I was able to find a place to transplant them. Since the summer temperatures were still pretty hot, I found them a place with nice afternoon shade. 
After temperatures began to cool, I found lovely place to transplant the viola seedlings among the biennial flowers that I had also started. There they were covered with a low tunnel for the winter once the frost started to arrive. 
It’s important to note here that I didn’t cover these with a low tunnel because I was worried about them. The reason is that I was protecting SOMETHING ELSE within that same flower bed. I’ve seen quite a few people mention online that these little johnny jumps are quite cold tolerant, and I absolutely believe it.
I was seriously surprised to see that these flowers bloomed all winter long inside the low tunnel. Considering how incredibly cold this winter has been – I’m thoroughly impressed! Amazing. The cold tolerance alone is enough to make me want to plant these every season! 
Even though I made the choice to sow these seeds indoors as a means to germinate them, my garden instinct (and other people online) tell me that they respond well to being sown outside in the fall and overwintered for spring bloom. Perhaps that’s something I’ll definitely have to try this coming season.
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out this post. It means a lot to me. I’d love to hear all about your experiences growing johnny jumps or other violas down in the comments below! I hope you’re having a wonderful day!
The only violas I have ever planted came from my local greenhouse. They do add a delicate touch of color.
I love these they show up from time to time
In my green as well – I am definitely planting some for next spring!
These little darlings were planted by me 7 years ago and worked their way around my landscape until they appeared in every garden at one time or another. Today I am finally finding that I need to plant again for the future. Johnnys are not intrusive or hard to manage, being easily removed to get rid of ( why would you want to) or to transplant in another location. In simply mad about Johnny jump ups!