Viola tricolor Heartsease Like vervain, this magick herb is often incorporated into Midsummer celebrations. It has many associations with the heart: it is traditionally used in love charms, an infusion of the herb was said to mend a broken heart, and the flowers were once a remedy for heart disease. For many of us, though, the name refers to how we feel when finding one of these cheerful little guys.  Just seeing them eases the heart.  In terms of how this herb works--on the heart and skin--this is a Sun plant, but in terms of its use in love and its small but lush beauty, it is all Venus, which is reflected in many of its common names: Love-in-idleness, Cuddle me, Call-me-to-you, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, Meet-me-in-the-entry, and Kiss-her-in-the-buttery. This annual was a staple in medieval gardens. It likes to grow with cultivated plants and blooms spring through fall. Sprinkle it between other larger plants or grow it alone in a pot. Top How to grow Heartsease. Plant in spring (or in fall in a cold frame).  Barely cover the seed.  It will germinate in 10-14 days at 65-75F. Too much sun kills the seedlings. This plant likes the cool weather of spring best and needs shade and moisture in the heat of summer; a place with afternoon shade and rich soil is good.  Picking off dead flowers to get more, or leave them on to get seeds.  Mature plants are 6-10 inches high.  This plant self-seeds easily and grows well in pots.   General growing info  Top

Viola tricolor Heartsease 100 seeds $3.75    Medieval Garden Plant Uses in Witchcraft & Magic: Venus Herb Love Magic © 2004-2024 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission

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