Bonide Chickweed Clover& Oxalis Killer is an option, or a product containing dicamba and triclopyr, but again it may take several applications to completely eradicate established plants. Selective broadleaf weed herbicides must list wild violet on the label to be effective. Non-selective herbicides will also kill any plant they contact, including grass, so protect surrounding areas with a shield of cardboard or use a brush to apply only to the violets. Glyphosate (Roundup®) will work but may take 2-3 applications a few weeks apart. Fall is the ideal time to control wild violets as they will more readily move herbicides into the root system as they prepare for winter.ĭue to their fleshy, energy storing roots, any non-selective herbicide you use must be systemic. Wild violets can be controlled, but it does take some effort and repeat treatment. Using these two methods, they can eventually create dense colonies. These flowers will not be mowed off, allowing for a large amount of seeds to be spread. But in summer violets can produce a different type of self-pollinating flower that stays below the leaves (or even underground) and produces seeds that are dropped in the surrounding area.
In spring, wild violets produce their well-known purple (or sometimes white, bicolored or speckled) flowers, which are often mowed off. This has resulted in vigorous growth and spreading of this weed. But the ideal condition for them is moist soil, which this year’s above average rainfall has provided. Wild violets are very tough plants that tolerate drought.