How To Grow Johnny Jump Up From Seed: Sow Johnny Jump-up wildflower seeds directly outdoors in early spring or in the fall. The Viola seeds are tiny so do not cover the herb seeds with more than 1/16 of an inch of soil. Thin Johnny Jump Up seedlings to 6 inches apart. Johnny Jump-up plants likes moist, rich soil, but they are adaptable to a wide variety of soil types.