Adequate Light—Getting Them to Bloom

Good light is essential, and the general rule is as much light as possible, without direct sunlight. They should be grown close to a window, which is not shaded by trees or shrubs. Although many can grow them successfully provided that the overhang of the roof keeps the sun off the glass during the hot summer months. A southern aspect is also good, where no overhang is desirable. East and West windows have the disadvantage of that when the sun is shining on them the violets must be protected from the sun’s rays by curtains, thus reducing the amount of light they receive.

Lack of adequate light is usually the reason why violets won’t flower. They require about twelve hours of good light each day for best results. A violet that’s grown a metre from a window will have a dramatic decrease in light and therefore, will not flower as well, if at all.