Why did Amy Stewart call the violet an easy crop to grow?

• A. They require constant pruning
• B. They are hardy and produce reliably
• C. They are highly susceptible to drought
• D. They need cold conditions to thrive

Answer: (B)

Hardiness and reliable production make violets easy to grow. When a crop is hardy, it can handle a range of growing conditions without special attention, and it tends to come back or bloom year after year with minimal fuss. Violets are known as sturdy perennials that tolerate partial shade, a variety of soils, and varying moisture levels once established, so they don’t require constant care to keep blooming. This combination—tending to thrive with little intervention and yielding flowers reliably—explains why Amy Stewart would describe them as an easy crop. The other ideas imply extra work or limits (needing constant pruning, being highly drought-susceptible, or needing cold conditions), which would not align with the sense of an always-ready, low-maintenance plant.