{"product_id":"viola-cornuta-large-flower-mix","title":"Viola Cornuta Large Flower Mix","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViola cornuta 'Large Flower Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHorned Violet \/ Tufted Pansy 'Large Flower Mix'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMasses of large cheerful pansy-like flowers in vibrant cottage colours on neat compact mounds of glossy mid-green foliage — Viola cornuta 'Large Flower Mix' is the cool-season cottage workhorse that flowers through autumn, winter and spring when most other plants have stopped, providing essential cool-season colour for containers, window boxes and front-of-border positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you want cheerful colour in the months when most cottage plants are dormant, Viola cornuta is your answer. The \"Large Flower Mix\" delivers the substantial pansy-like flower size combined with the \u003cstrong\u003esuperior hardiness and longer flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e of the cornuta species (unlike standard pansies, \u003cem\u003eViola cornuta\u003c\/em\u003e is hardy enough to overwinter outdoors in most UK gardens). The flower mix typically includes vibrant blues, purples, yellows, whites, oranges and bicolours, all with the characteristic \"smiling face\" pansy markings. \u003cstrong\u003eCompact 15–20cm habit\u003c\/strong\u003e suits front-of-border, container, and window-box display. \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e: from October through April–May, with some plants continuing to flower throughout mild UK winters. Hardy biennial typically grown as a hardy annual; in mild gardens often behaves as a short-lived perennial returning for a second season. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eViola seeds, like Pansy seeds, \u003cstrong\u003eneed darkness to germinate\u003c\/strong\u003e — the opposite of most cottage seeds. Cover the seed tray with cardboard or black plastic until germination occurs (10–20 days). Maintain 15–18°C (cool conditions suit Viola genetics; high heat actually inhibits germination).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo sowing strategies for two flowering seasons\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor autumn-winter flowering\u003c\/strong\u003e: sow indoors \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary–March\u003c\/strong\u003e for planting out in May; plants flower from October through winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor spring flowering\u003c\/strong\u003e: sow indoors \u003cstrong\u003eAugust\u003c\/strong\u003e for transplanting in autumn; plants overwinter as established rosettes and flower from late spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlant out in sun or light shade in moist but well-drained fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDeadhead religiously\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain the long flowering season — without it, plants set seed and decline rapidly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn autumn-into-spring containers, window boxes and patio pots — Viola cornuta is the workhorse that keeps colour going through the cooler months when summer bedding has finished. As \u003cstrong\u003eunderplanting beneath spring bulbs\u003c\/strong\u003e — Violas continue flowering through the bulb display, providing colour at ground level while the bulbs rise above. At the front of cottage borders for low-growing cool-season colour. In children's gardens for the cheerful \"smiling face\" flowers. \u003cstrong\u003eEdible flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e with mild sweet flavour — beautiful as cake decorations or salad garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a classic spring container, combine Viola cornuta with \u003cstrong\u003etulips\u003c\/strong\u003e (matching cool-season timing with contrasting height) and \u003cstrong\u003eForget-me-not 'Victoria Mixed'\u003c\/strong\u003e (matching pastel palette at compatible heights). For autumn winter colour, pair with \u003cstrong\u003ePansy 'Swiss Giant Ullswater'\u003c\/strong\u003e (matching habit with larger flowers) and \u003cstrong\u003eCalendula 'Wintersun'\u003c\/strong\u003e for warm-and-cool seasonal contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766402691421,"sku":"VIO-COR","price":2.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/2048800864ec3a41f7fcf7b_upscale.jpg?v=1779457488","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/viola-cornuta-large-flower-mix","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}