Chicky Chicks Viola is a vibrant, compact cultivar of Viola cornuta that delivers a complete rainbow of sunny faces from spring through fall. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, this heirloom variety reaches just 4 inches tall but spreads to 8 inches wide, making it exceptionally valuable for containers, beds, borders, and hanging baskets. From seed to first bloom takes 98 to 112 days, and the plants flower prolifically across two seasons: spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Deer leave it alone, and pollinators visit eagerly, making it both beautiful and ecologically generous.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
4in H x 8in W
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Moderate
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The stunning diversity of colors in a single seed packet draws gardeners in immediately, but what keeps them coming back is how reliably Chicky Chicks produces those cheerful faces across two distinct bloom seasons. Its compact, spreading habit means even a small space or shallow container becomes a showcase; at just 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide, it fills gaps without overwhelming neighbors. The combination of true hardiness (perennial in zones 5 to 9) and that quick 98 to 112 day path from seed to bloom makes it perfect for gardeners who want flowers fast but also want them to return year after year.
Chicky Chicks Viola thrives in containers where its compact, spreading growth habit can be fully appreciated, making it especially valuable for window boxes, hanging baskets, and small raised beds. In garden beds and borders, it fills the foreground with dense color. Its deer resistance and pollinator appeal make it a practical choice for gardens where wildlife visits regularly.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow indoors in late winter on the surface or just barely covered with 1/8 inch of soil. Seeds require darkness to germinate, so cover them with vermiculite or use a humidity dome and exclude light. First, chill the seeds at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 to 2 weeks, then move them to 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit where they'll sprout in 7 to 21 days. Transplant outdoors after the last frost once plants are hardened off.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Transplant outdoors after the last frost date, spacing plants 8 inches apart. They establish quickly and begin flowering within weeks.
In early spring, direct sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in prepared soil. In warm winter zones 8 and warmer where violas are grown as annuals, direct sow in late summer for fall and winter bloom.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the spring and fall seasons. Simply pinch off faded flowers at the base to redirect energy into new bloom production rather than seed set.
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