Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia sororia)

Seed Collection Time:

Late spring to mid-summer — typically May through July, depending on local climate and bloom time.

Signs seeds are ready:

• After blooming, the plant forms small, green seed capsules low to the ground.

• As they mature, capsules turn tan and begin to split open into three parts.

• When ready, the capsules will explode, flinging seeds several feet — this is called ballistic seed dispersal.

• Mature seeds are small, shiny, and cream to tan-colored.

Seed collection steps:

1. Check capsules daily in late spring and early summer — timing is key.

2. Harvest just before the capsule splits by gently removing them from the base.

3. Place capsules in a paper bag or tray to allow them to dry and pop open indoors.

4. Collect and store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Germination tip:

• Double dormancy: Seeds usually need both warm-moist and cold-moist stratification to germinate.

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

• Alternatively, sow outdoors in late summer or fall to allow natural seasonal cues.