They pop up in the spring, like right now, in Ontario. They are wild, and like a weed. My backyard is full of them!!!Check untreated woodsy areas…Or maybe along trails. I can send you some if you’re interested.:)

Hi Jessica! I use wild violets that grow around our house in the early spring – many people consider them a weed.
There are several types of violets, and pansies and johnny-jump-ups are in the same family too.
My local garden center has small purple violas for sale right now, which can act similarly as violets & be used in a pinch, but I’m not sure you can buy wild ones anywhere.
Mine originally came from a tangled growth behind my sister’s house that had been taken over by violets. Just those few plants I got from her many years ago have multiplied like crazy.
Perhaps a relative or friend may have some growing around their house & would let you have some of the plants?
You definitely don’t want to use African violets though – those are in a completely different family & aren’t good to use for food or medicinal purposes.