Herbs · Everyday herb

Sweet violet

Viola odorata · also called Violet · planet: Venus

A low, shade-loving spring flower with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant purple or white blossoms.

In the garden

Part shade and moist, rich soil. It spreads gently by runners and flowers in late winter and early spring.

In the kitchen

Candy the fresh flowers in sugar for cakes, or float one in a drink; the young leaves are mild in salads in small amounts.

Take care

• Eat only the flowers and tender leaves of sweet violet, and only if you are certain of the plant.
• African violets are not related and are not for eating. The roots and seeds of true violets can upset the stomach.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.