Violets hybridize readily, and the hybrids can still make seed from small flowers at the base of the plant, sometimes underground, that never open.Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Viola adunca
This source reports 5 treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty LowRated by us, not by the source.
Start around February 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1
Gibberellic acid soak
2
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 49 days to germinate.
78% germination in 7–49 days.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty ModerateRated by us, not by the source.
Start around January 3, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 40°F 4°C
12 germinated in this phase.
2
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 days · Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
about 3 months from start to step 2. Germination happens during step 2, in 2 days.
66% germination in 2 days.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty ModerateRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 29, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: light
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 7 days to germinate.
64% germination in 7 days.
Protocol 4
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty ModerateRated by us, not by the source.
1
Sow outdoors and leave it
Up in April-June.
No stated waiting before sowing.
64% germination.
This source doesn't state how long step 1 lasts.
Protocol 5
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996
Difficulty HighRated by us, not by the source.
Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
1
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C · Light: dark
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 21 days to germinate.