Helen Mount Johnny Jump Ups, Violas, 1800's Heirloom, Edible Flowers

The King Henry is a refined selection of Viola cornuta, a species native to the high high alpine meadows of the Pyrenees and Northern Spain. While many modern pansies are bred for massive size, the King Henry retains the delicate, airy grace of its mountain ancestors.

Historically, violas have been symbols of royalty and "thoughts of love" (the word pansy comes from the French pensée, meaning thought). The King Henry variety has been a staple in European cottage gardens for generations, prized for its ability to "jump up" through the snow or late-autumn frost. It represents the pinnacle of Victorian-era flower breeding, where gardeners sought out deep, saturated pigments that could withstand the erratic weather of the English countryside.

Historical Note:
While the specific "King Henry" name was popularized in the 20th century, this deep purple "Horned Violet" has been a garden treasure since the 1860s. In 1894, the famed seedsman Peter Henderson described this variety as a "sheet of bloom," noting its rare ability to stay vibrant and velvety even when the summer heat caused traditional pansies to fade. It remains the royal standard of the cottage garden. It went by "Viola cornuta Purpurea" or "Deep Purple Tufted Pansy" in earlier seed catalogs. 

• Regal Color Palette: Deep, saturated violet-purple that resists fading, even in the sun.
• Cold-Hardy Champion: One of the most frost-tolerant flowers available; it can often survive through light snow and freezing temperatures.
• Completely Edible: The flowers have a mild, wintergreen-like flavor. They are the premier choice for "candying" with sugar or garnishing gourmet salads and desserts.
• Delicate Fragrance: Emits a soft, sweet perfume that is most noticeable on cool, damp mornings.
• Self-Sowing Treasure: While technically a short-lived perennial, King Henry will happily drop seeds to "jump up" in new spots in your garden next year.

1. Sowing the Seeds:
Violas prefer cool soil to germinate.

• For Spring Blooms: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Sow on the surface of the soil and cover very lightly (1/8 inch), as they need darkness to germinate but don't want to be buried deep.
• For Fall/Late Winter Blooms: Sow seeds in late summer in a cool, shaded spot.
• Germination: Expect sprouts in 10–20 days. Keep the soil cool (65°F) for the best results.

2. The Perfect Location:
King Henry loves Partial Shade, especially in areas with hot summers. In cooler climates, they can handle Full Sun. They prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

3. Maintenance:

• Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 6 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Violas do not like to dry out.
• Deadheading: This is the secret to a long season! Pinch off faded flowers regularly to prevent seed pods from forming. This keeps the plant producing new "King Henry" blossoms for months.
• Summer Care: If the plants begin to look tired or "leggy" in the heat of July, cut them back by half. They will often flush back out and bloom again when the cooler weather of autumn arrives.

To create a stunning "Regal Salad," harvest the flowers in the morning. Gently wash them and pat dry. Place them on top of a bed of spring greens with goat cheese and walnuts—the deep purple of the King Henry makes for a breathtaking, professional-grade presentation.

Garden Tip: King Henry Violas are the perfect "under-planting" for spring bulbs like Tulips and Daffodils. They fill the space around the base of the bulbs, hiding the fading foliage and providing a lush, purple carpet of color. 🌷💜