On 24/11/2013 14:08, Another John wrote:
I bought a couple of dozen violas a few weeks ago, to brighten up our
troughs through the winter. I got 'em from Aldi at about 2.50 a dozen.

Since I planted them, there hasn't been a single flower -- not even a
sign!

Is the answer to chuck 'em out and buy some more?

Cheers
John

Why a cheapskate?
The viola I saw at Aldi were good plants.
I planted up a couple of troughs about 6 weeks ago and I've been picking
off any flowers forming to let the plants get established.
Viola and pansies are not true winter flowering plants, they take
advantage of any milder spells to flower but when it gets really cold
like all plants they stop growing.
Leave them where they are, they will flower when they are ready.