I would think you'd be OK sowing them directly in the soil, but:
- only give them a thin covering of soil - just enough to conceal them
- sow them in many small patches, each one covered by an upturned hanging basket or some such protection from cats and other critters
- I wouldn't bother with the straw; it would make it difficult for the little seedlings, and the seeds will benefit from a good freezing

That's my opinion; others may have different ideas...

Best of luck.

Thank you so much!

Where can I buy seeds of viola odorata? I found a plant at a local nursery last Spring. It was thriving, and had some of the false flowers (how do you call them? they do not really open), until something started to eat a lot of the leaves off. New leaves came back up, and I was surprised today when I found one real blue violet blossom. I have kept this one plant in the pot that I bought it in, but I want to have more of the plant. Please let me know where I can order the seeds. Thank you.

I got mine from In Harmony Herbs of California. Chiltern's in the UK has the best selection I have seen. - kasper

camiafan,

Are you sure there aren't seeds in the pot already?
By now, I would expect the plant to have produced good seed pods and have shed some seed (it just tumbles out slowly, unless helped by ants). Have a look. If you have seeds, they will most probably have come from pods from the cleistogamous flowers (the ones without petals) - and these will probably produce plants true to your original.

Mike

My Viola Odorata put out runners during summer, so I was able to keep moving them around the garden. Moved many to Florida and found they died very quickly. In Florida, I now have a few violets in pots and they are thriving. Try leaving them in the pots in shade keeping them well watered. Bet you have baby violets in no time! Good luck.

p.s. have you tried the Parma Violets. They are also highly perfumed and beautiful with double flowers.

I live in Fresno, CA, between zones 8 and 9. Is it possible for me to directly sow viola odorata seeds? Do I need to prepare them first by bagging them in soil and refrigerating them? Or can I just toss them from the packets into pots or shady, moist sections of our garden? Also, WHEN do I sow?

Hi !

Maybe someone having any experience in your zone will complete but, I'm afraid some cold is needed for odorata to germinate.
Puting seeds in small pots in the fridge during several weeks could be a good idea.

Kind regards :-)
Thierry.