Johnny Jump-Up Seeds

johnny jump-up facts

Johnny jump-ups, also called pansies, violas, or violets, are all in the same family of plants called Viola. These petite flowers are native to Europe and are far from delicate. Johnny jump-ups grow as perennials in hardiness zones 3 to 9. Once established, Johnny jump-ups self-seed vigorously and will make an appearance year after year.

planting johnny jump-up seeds

Direct sow or start Johnny jump-ups indoors in either the spring or fall. If starting indoors, multi-sow seeds in trays and transplant seedlings outside ten to twelve weeks before the last frost. Plant seedlings about nine inches apart to allow enough room for mature plants to branch out. To direct sow Johnny jump-ups, pick a planting site with fertile, well-draining soil and cast seed after all danger of frost has passed. Rake a half-inch of soil over the seeds, to protect the seeds from birds and to provide the darkness the seeds need to germinate. Johnny jump-ups aren’t picky—full or partial sun, landscaped beds or container pots—they’ll happily make a home anywhere.

An excellent choice for ground cover, Johnny jump-ups are vigorous self-seeders that spread quickly. Deer resistant and drought tolerant, Johnny jump-ups continue blooming even in the hottest summer days. The more you harvest flowers, the more flowers will bloom! Pinch back leggy stems or diseased plants to promote new growth. Otherwise, Johnny jump-ups are low-maintenance plants with few health problems. Johnny jump-ups make a great companion plant for both summer and fall flowers, hardy annuals like dianthus and marigolds, and autumn bloomers like black-eyed susans.

Did you know that Johnny jump-ups flowers are edible? Pinch off the flowers and toss in a salad, or use to take your homemade cocktails up a notch. Or, coat blossoms in a mixture of sugar and egg and bake in the oven for candied pansies—a delectable delight that everyone will love.

creating the flower garden of your dreams

Choose between Eden Brothers’ six varieties of Johnny jump-ups—or, better yet, grow several varieties and stagger plantings to have color all season long. Try planting the Swiss Giants series in combination with a mix and see if you don’t have the most striking garden on the block this year. For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting Johnny jump-up seeds, see the Pansy Seeds Planting Guide.