Grow Arkwright Ruby Viola from fresh Viola cornuta flower seeds. Arkwright Ruby produces beautiful red blooms, accented with a bright yellow center and deep purple colored petals. These beauties only grow to a height of roughly 6 to 8 inches tall and can spread out about 6 inches or so. The plants don’t mind being a bit crowded, making them perfect for window boxes, pots and containers. You can also use them directly in the garden in flower beds, along borders or in shady areas of the yard.
Arkwright Ruby Viola is technically categorized as a tender perennial, meaning it will establish a deep root system. It will wilt with the first frost, only to return the following growing season from its deeply established roots. If temperatures are too harsh, the plants may not return however. Arkwright Ruby Viola will grow best in cooler temperatures, flowering for most of the growing season. Seeds of the Arkwright Ruby Viola can be collected, stored and sown the following growing season to establish new plants as well.
This popular Viola plant can attract an array of beneficial insects, such as butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs and hummingbirds as well. They are a perfect match with many other violas and pansies, and can be paired with the Blackjack Viola or the Johnny Jump Up. You might also be interested in our Pansy, Frizzle Sizzle Mixture, or Fizzy Lemonberry. Both are stunning when they are in full bloom.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Red
- Height: 6″ to 8″ Tall
- Width: 6″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 6 to 9
- Environment: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Sowing The Seed
Arkwright Ruby Viola seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow seeds in peat pots, 1/16” under topsoil, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Transplant when the weather becomes warm. Direct sow outdoors by clearing the sowing area of all unwanted plant life. Turn the soil or lay down new soil in it’s place. Scatter seeds to the ground, lightly covering. Keep in mind that light is required for germination.
Growing Conditions
Arkwright Ruby Viola seeds & plants prefer an area of full sunlight in cooler regions or partial shade in warmer regions. They thrive in rich soils with plenty of organic matter and need to be well drained as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily with a spray bottle or mist setting so that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred. Avoid overwatering, or soaking the seedlings as this can cause them to wilt.
Germination & Growth
Your Arkwright Ruby Viola seeds will begin to show signs of life within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 6 to 8 inches tall and don’t mind being a little crowded. The plants can be spaced anywhere from 4 to 8 inches apart from one another. After they are fully established, you can begin to enjoy the beautiful blooms of the Arkwright Ruby Viola, which will attract an array of butterflies and other beneficial insects.