Johnny Jump Up Viola is a compact, cold-hardy perennial (often grown as an annual) that explodes with miniature tricolored blooms in purple, gold, and lavender from spring through fall. Hardy in zones 6-11, these neat mounds reach just 7-10 inches tall and produce edible petals with a sweet, spiced mint flavor that elevates salads and desserts. Reaching maturity in 100-109 days, though some sources report faster bloom in 60-80 days, this variety transforms small spaces and containers into jewel-box gardens while delivering genuine culinary interest.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-11
10in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
These tiny violas pack genuine flavor into their delicate petals: a sweet and spiced mint character that makes them far more than just ornamental. The tricolored blooms arrive reliably across a broad hardiness range and tolerate both cold snaps and summer heat without complaint. Their compact, mounding habit and edible flowers make them equally at home tucked into borders, scattered across rockeries, or brightening a container garden on a sunny windowsill.
The petals serve as an edible garnish with genuine culinary merit, their sweet and spiced mint flavor adding complexity to salads, cocktails, and cake decorations. Their bright colors and vibrant micronutrient and antioxidant profiles make them a thoughtful addition to fresh dishes where appearance and nutrition both matter.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix at 65-75°F (seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them). Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days under bright light. Transplant to individual pots once the first true leaves appear.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant after your last frost date when soil is workable. Space plants 8 inches apart in full sun, with 24 inches between rows. Water gently after planting and keep soil consistently moist for the first few weeks as plants establish.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last spring frost, pressing them onto moist soil surface (do not cover, as light aids germination). Keep soil moist until seedlings are established. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart.
Harvest petals as soon as they open and are fully colored. Pinch or gently pull individual petals from the flower center; the entire bloom is also edible. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for the best flavor and texture. Petals are most tender and flavorful when freshly picked and used the same day.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back lanky growth in early summer to promote a fuller, more compact mound. Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.