Johnny Jump-Up
Johnny Jump-Up is a charming heirloom flower known for its cheerful tri-color blooms in purple, yellow, and white. Cold-hardy and self-seeding, it’s ideal for borders, containers, and even edible gardens.
Quick Facts
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Botanical name: Viola tricolor
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Common names: Johnny Jump-Up, Wild Pansy, Heartsease
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Plant type: Cool-season annual or short-lived perennial
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Days to maturity: 60–70 days
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Height: 4–10 inches
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Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
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Hardiness zones: USDA 3–9
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Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
When to Plant
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Spring: Sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked (2–4 weeks before last frost).
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Fall (mild climates): Sow in late summer or early fall for blooms in cool seasons.
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Indoor starting: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.
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Germination time: 10–14 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C)
How to Plant
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Soil preparation: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with good organic content.
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Sowing depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil (do not cover deeply; light aids germination).
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Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart when they develop their first true leaves.
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Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth.
Growing Tips
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Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
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In warm zones, provide partial shade to protect from heat stress.
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Easily reseeds itself—expect to see new volunteers the following year.
Harvesting
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Flowers can be harvested when fully open and are commonly used fresh or dried.
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Edible petals are perfect for decorating cakes, salads, and teas.
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Entire plant is edible, though flowers are most commonly used.
Companion Plants
Great alongside lettuces, herbs, and spring bulbs. Helps attract early pollinators and beneficial insects. Also works beautifully with other violas, pansies, or alyssum.
Why Grow Johnny Jump-Up?
This versatile flower adds a pop of color in cooler months, requires little care, and is both ornamental and edible. Perfect for edible landscaping, containers, or whimsical garden borders.