Hairy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens)

Seed Collection Time:


Late spring to early summer — typically May through July, depending on bloom timing and climate.

Signs seeds are ready:

  • After flowering, the plant produces upright, greenish seed capsules located near the base of the plant.

  • Capsules turn tan or light brown as they mature.

  • When ready, the capsules split open explosively into three parts and eject the seeds — similar to Viola sororia sororia

  • Ripe seeds are small, oval, and light tan or pale brown.

Seed collection steps:

  1. Monitor plants closely and harvest capsules just before they split.

  2. Place the capsules in a paper bag or tray and allow to dry indoors until they open naturally.

  3. Collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to stratify or sow.

Germination tip:

  • Double dormancy is typical:
    Requires both warm-moist and cold-moist stratification for best germination.

    • W/C (Warm → Cold): Warm stratify (~70°F) for 60 days, then cold stratify (~40°F) for 60–90 days.

  • Alternatively, sow fresh seeds outdoors in late summer or fall for natural dormancy-breaking.