Horn violets bloom from spring to summer. If you want to experience a second bloom, you should pull out the scissors. But cutting back horned violets is also an important part of care for other reasons. Both the plants and the owners can benefit.
When and why should you cut back horned violets?
Frilled violets should be cut back after the first bloom in August to encourage a second bloom in the fall, achieve bushier growth, and increase the lifespan of the plants. Before cutting, the scissors should be sharp and clean for optimal results.
To extend the flowering period
The main reason many gardeners cut back their horned violets is to extend the blooming period. Normally most horned violets have bloomed between July and August. But they have no objection to a second flowering of the year
If you cut off the spent parts in August, the plant will be stimulated to produce new flowers. It sets new buds that open in September. Then the flowering can last until October/November.
Seed formation desired or undesirable?
After the second flowering, very few gardeners cut back their horned violets. The reason: you want the seeds to develop. With them, horned violets like to sow themselves and become wild over time. If you do not want seeds to form, cut back the horned violets in October.
For bushier growth and a longer life expectancy
Another reason for cutting horned violets is to create a bushier growth. The cut causes the horned violets to grow vigorously. They grow bushier and produce more flower heads. On top of that, such pruning increases the usually short lifespan of a horned violet.
Preparing for winter
Last but not least, cutting back horned violets also serves as preparation for overwintering. The horned violets are cut back by half or to a hand's width above the ground. Winter protection can then be added over it, for example brushwood or leaves.
How should you cut? Things to note
The following should be taken into account when cutting back horned violets:
- use sharp scissors
- clean the scissors beforehand and disinfect them if necessary
- remove wilted flowers regularly
- cut off wilted leaves
- do not cut in frost
Tips & Tricks
You can also cut off the bloomed flowers. They are edible and make an attractive and colorful decoration as a garnish for dishes such as salads, soups and cheese plates.
