Violets - where are the seeds

12 years ago

No, I'm not crazy.

I actually WANT those little purple violets that invade my BACK garden every spring and have them growing in the front, where I've tried just about everything else. (Dry shade, but I have moss!)

I let the violets in the back bloom instead of taking the weed whacker to them. But after they've finished blooming I see no sign of anything resembling a seed pod.

Don't these things have pods? Did I miss the boat and the seeds blew away at the end of the bloom?

I do recall collecting seeds from them before - some actually sprouted in the front yard, but not in huge numbers. I really just need the leaves.

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Comments (4)

flora_uk
12 years ago
They have clearly visible seed pods which then split open into 3 sections and scatter the seeds. They don't blow away. I don't know why yours have none.

Here is a link that might be useful: Violet seed pods
countrycarolyn
12 years ago
The seed pod can sometimes stay on the plant for quite sometime without opening up. If you look at your viola a little closer you may see something that actually looks like a bloom about to produce well that is the seed pod. I like violas and in my garden I notice that sometimes they do not disperse their seed till later in the season. If I get a cold snap the pods will sometimes start to open. Funny thing is that you can sometimes actually hear the pods releasing their seeds. The pod will open up and resemble the picture like flora shared, then they will shoot themselves out of the pod.

I have several plants now that actually have a pod on the them if you want to see a picture of them just let me know and I will get you a few shots.
wally_1936
12 years ago
For me I just dig them up and transplant them as I have never seen any seeds either, but if they are in an area where they can they will spread with no problem. I have problem areas in the yard where nothing likes to grow like along my shaded backyard against the house and they seem to love their new location. I just take them at random so they can still be in their old location to spread there also. Watch out if you plant them in your flower bed they will spread quickly and they are tough plants that enjoy shade.
countrycarolyn
12 years ago
Maybe this will help you guys. I took the shot while it was raining. You have to actually lift up the leaves to see the seed pod but here is one that hasn't opened up yet.

{{gwi:244448}}

If you need a better picture just let me know and I will see if I can try and take one.