Johnny Jump Up Viola

Johnny Jump Up (Viola cornuta) is a charming, cold-hardy edible flower with vibrant purple, yellow, and white blooms. Low-growing and tough, it is rich in antioxidants and equally at home in beds, borders, and on the plate.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Viola cornuta
• Type: Edible flowering viola
• Bloom colors: Purple, yellow, white
• Habit: Low-growing groundcover
• Hardiness: Very cold hardy and heat tolerant
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Non-GMO: Open-pollinated heirloom

Best for

• Edible flowers and garnishes
• Beds, borders, and edging
• Rock gardens and rockeries
• Containers
• Pollinator gardens

How to grow

Sow in early spring or fall in full sun to part shade. Violas tolerate cold well and often self-sow, returning year after year. Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants flowering longer.

Flavor profile

Mild and slightly sweet with a faint wintergreen note, perfect for decorating salads, cakes, and drinks.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based seed company offering affordable, non-GMO heirloom seeds for home gardeners.