[Chris & Yasmin]

Instead of dead heading all of them I have left some of my violas to go to seed.  The seed pods have now opened.  Can anyone help me out and let me know what I do so that I have violas next year.  I am also leaving my pansies to go to seed and don't know when these will be ready and what I should do when these are ready.  Can anyone help me?! I am afraid I am probably the youngest on this site (22) and this is my first year of really growing anything on my own.

Thanks

Yasmin

[ang]

Last year I collected some seeds from my pansies. I kept the seeds in a cool, dry place over the winter in an envelope and then sowed the seed in spring. I guess you could do the same for the violas. You could find that they don't come back exactly the same as the ones you planted (i think the term is cross pollination, I'm sure someone will come along with more info).

[Phoenix]

its more than likely u wont get the same colour again, (i dont anyway) but ive had sum unusual ones this yr its fun do as ang said store them in an envelope and sow them in feb/march and u will have a good showing

Ye i think u r the youngest hehehehe i was until u came lol im 23 lol

[Chris & Yasmin]

Thanks for your replies.  I went out into the garden this morning and found that all the seeds had gone!! I think the wind has blown them all away.  Oh well - I have saved some.

[Phoenix]

my love in a mist did that last yr, i was gutted as i was going to save the seeds, this yr they have germinated in the border and theres LOADS of plants appearing even now so it may happen for u!

[cathbaddeley]

I had violas in tubs in the front garden last year, unknown to me (new gardener) they self seeded and know i have them between the cracks in the path near the door, between the lavender in the borders in the front garden. Please dont think that the wind had blown them away and you wont seen them again - they will probably be putting in an appearance next year in the most unexpected places!!

Cath

[James]

Don't worry, you'll have as many as you could ask for growing next year.  With the bit of wet we've had recently they're probably germinating already.  Let them reach a reasonable size 1-2 inches and then transplant them as they'll be horribly close together.  You'll never need to plant another pansy in your life.  They might flower this winter, or you might have to wait until spring.