Bowles Black Viola bloom on a white background.
Close-up macro shot of a duo of Bowles Black Violas against a white background.
Viola Seeds, Bowles Black
A black fondant cake surrounded by Bowles Black Violas on a light background.
Bowles Black Violas with colored sugar on cookies.
Bowles Black Viola bloom on a white background.
Close-up macro shot of a duo of Bowles Black Violas against a white background.
Viola Seeds, Bowles Black
A black fondant cake surrounded by Bowles Black Violas on a light background.
Bowles Black Violas with colored sugar on cookies.

Viola Seeds,
Bowles Black

4.18 ReviewsSKU: #FL545Min. seed count: 30
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Description

(Viola cornuta). A charming antique black viola popularized by E.A. Bowles, a prominent horticulturist of the late 19th and early 20th century. Bowles wrote of this deep purple to inky black viola in his book My Garden in Spring, where he described it as “... a very charming little weed, sowing itself freely, and when in full bloom it has a wonderfully friendly and cheerful look in the yellow Cyclopean eye in the middle of its almost black face.” He noted that a friend, Dr. Lowe (a member of the Royal Horticultural Society), had given him seeds for the lovely viola and after growing it on display at his gardens, visitors began to call the variety “Bowles Black.” Plants stand 6 inches tall and are great for beds, borders, pots, and baskets, or grow them as Bowles did… in the rock garden.

Growing Tips: Bowles Black violas prefer cool temperatures, moist but well-drained soil, and full sun exposure. Deadheading extends bloom time and improves plant appearance. Their dramatic near-black petals offer rich contrast in garden beds, borders, and containers. Water regularly and mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially in warmer climates.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Viola cornuta
Life Cycle
Perennial in zones 5–9
Sun Requirement
Full sun/partial shade
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
70–90
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–65°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow outdoors in late summer to early fall in mild climates. Fall planting allows overwintering and early spring blooms. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Bowles Black viola seeds 1/8 inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix. Maintain a temperature of 60–65°F and keep the mix evenly moist. Transplant outdoors after hardening off and once the danger of hard frost has passed.

How to Grow

Provide morning sun and afternoon shade in warmer areas to extend flowering. Keep soil moist and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Deadhead regularly to promote continued blooming. Apply mulch to keep roots cool and reduce weeds. These violas perform best in spring and fall when temperatures remain cool.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow a few flowers to mature fully and develop seed pods
  • Wait until pods dry and begin to split, then collect
  • Remove seeds and let them air-dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark location in a labeled paper envelope
  • Use fresh seeds within one to two years for best viability

FAQ

Are Bowles Black violas true black in color?

While not a pure black, Bowles Black pansies produce velvety, deep purple-black blooms that appear nearly black in garden settings, especially under bright sunlight or paired with contrasting colors.

Can Bowles Black viola seeds be direct sown outdoors?

Yes, direct sowing is possible in late summer or early spring, but starting indoors provides better control over germination conditions and results in earlier, more robust blooms.

Will Bowles Black violas bloom all season?

They bloom best in cool temperatures, typically in early spring and fall. In regions with mild summers, they may continue blooming with adequate moisture and regular deadheading

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