Viola cornuta Brush Strokes | Horned Violet

Viola cornuta Brush Strokes is an extraordinary mix of historic-style violas with beautifully striped and multicoloured flowers that look as though they have been painted by hand. Each bloom develops its own distinctive pattern of fine streaks, veining and contrasting markings in shades of plum, wine, aubergine, apricot, honey, cream, golden yellow and soft lavender.

The charm of Brush Strokes lies in its individuality – no two flowers are exactly alike. As the blooms mature, some develop subtle blue-toned shading, creating the nostalgic, slightly faded appearance associated with old-fashioned violas.

Compact but free-flowering, Brush Strokes is beautiful in beds, borders, containers and patio pots. With closer spacing, the plants can also produce stems suitable for small bouquets, posies and delicate floral work. The flowers are edible and can be used to decorate cakes, desserts, salads and drinks.

Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Viola cornuta
• Variety: Brush Strokes
• Common Name: Horned Violet
• Family: Violaceae
• Flower Colour: Multicoloured striped mix
• Colours: Plum, wine, aubergine, apricot, honey, cream, lavender and golden yellow
• Plant Height: Approx. 15–30 cm
• Plant Habit: Compact, free-flowering
• Life Cycle: Short-lived perennial, commonly grown as an annual
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Use: Bedding, containers, borders, small cut flower, edible flower
• Germination Temperature: 15–20°C
• Germination: Approx. 7–14 days
• Sowing Depth: Surface sow; press gently into the substrate
• Cover: Very lightly with fine vermiculite
• Light: Do not exclude light
• Days to Maturity: Approx. 80–90 days
• Spacing: Approx. 10–15 cm
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Seeds per Gram: Approx. 1,100

Historic Striped Flowers

Brush Strokes has the distinctive appearance of historic and old-fashioned violas, with intricate stripes and markings across the petals.

Instead of producing a uniform block of colour, the mix creates an ever-changing collection of individual flower faces. Deep plum and wine shades appear alongside warm apricot, honey, cream, golden yellow and soft lavender.

The fine, irregular markings resemble brush strokes or watercolour lines, giving the flowers their characteristic hand-painted appearance.

As some flowers age, their colours can develop a subtle bluish cast, enhancing the beautiful antique effect.

When to Sow

For early flowers, start seeds indoors approximately 8–12 weeks before the intended transplanting date.

Violas prefer relatively cool growing conditions and tolerate light frost once established, making them particularly useful for spring and autumn production.

Seeds can also be sown later in the season for autumn flowering or overwintering, depending on climate and growing conditions.

How to Sow Viola Brush Strokes

Fill trays or cells with a fine, moist and well-drained seed-starting substrate.

Place the seeds on the surface and gently press them into the substrate to ensure good contact.

Do not bury the seeds deeply. Cover only very lightly with a thin layer of fine vermiculite.

Keep the seed tray in a bright location without strong direct sunlight. There is no need to exclude light during germination.

Maintain a temperature of approximately 15–20°C. Violas generally germinate and develop best under relatively cool conditions, so avoid excessive heat.

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water carefully so that the small seeds are not displaced.

Under suitable conditions, germination normally occurs in approximately 7–14 days.

Growing the Seedlings

After germination, provide the seedlings with plenty of light, cooler temperatures and good air circulation.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist but avoid excessive watering.

Allow the seedlings to grow steadily rather than pushing them with high temperatures. Cooler, bright conditions help produce compact and strong young plants.

Transplant seedlings before they become overcrowded or root-bound.

Before planting outdoors, gradually harden off the young plants.

Planting & Growing

Plant Brush Strokes in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

Violas prefer cool to mild conditions. Full sun is ideal during cooler periods, while some afternoon shade can be beneficial when temperatures rise.

Maintain consistent moisture during active growth but avoid waterlogged soil.

Regular removal of faded flowers encourages plants to continue producing new blooms over a long period.

Spacing for Cut Flowers

Brush Strokes is naturally a relatively compact Viola, but it can also be grown specifically for small cut flowers.

For cutting, plant approximately 10–15 cm apart. Closer spacing encourages the plants to grow more upright and can help produce longer stems.

The stems will not reach the length of traditional tall cut flowers, but they are ideal for small bouquets, posies, bud vases and detailed floral designs.

Days to Bloom

Under suitable conditions, allow approximately 80–90 days from sowing to the first flowers.

Actual flowering time depends on temperature, light levels, sowing date and growing conditions.

Violas generally perform particularly well during the cooler parts of the growing season and flowering may slow during prolonged hot weather.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

Harvest stems when the flowers are just beginning to open.

As established plants mature, their flowering stems tend to become longer and increasingly useful for cutting.

Harvest during the cooler part of the day using clean scissors and place the stems immediately into clean water.

Expect approximately 5–7 days of vase life, depending on harvest stage and post-harvest conditions.

Edible Flowers

Brush Strokes also produces beautiful edible flowers.

When plants are grown specifically for culinary use without unsuitable chemical treatments, the flowers can be used to decorate:

Cakes • Desserts • Salads • Drinks • Seasonal dishes

Because every flower has a slightly different colour and pattern, Brush Strokes is especially attractive for decorative culinary use.

Why Grow Brush Strokes?

Historic viola appearance • Unique striped flowers • Multicoloured antique palette • No two flowers exactly alike • Approx. 80–90 days to flowering • Suitable for small cut flowers • Excellent for pots and borders • Edible flowers • Long flowering period • No pinching required

Viola cornuta Brush Strokes is an exceptional choice for growers looking for something different from modern uniformly coloured violas. Its painterly stripes, antique colour palette and individually patterned flower faces make it particularly beautiful for specialty ga