Ornamental flowers seeds

Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola

Viola cornuta

Product code : 61-9331-010

Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 is a compact Fleuroselect Gold Medal viola known for true-blue flowers with white faces inspired by Delft porcelain. Plants reach 15 to 20 cm tall and wide and suit borders, pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. The packet contains approximately 50 bare seeds to start eight weeks before outdoor planting. Maintain 18 to 21°C for germination in 7 to 10 days. This variety enjoys cool sun or partial shade, dislikes scorching sites, and normally flowers from June through September. Its crisp contrast remains visible in entrance containers, balcony planters, and compact front borders. Group several plants for a stronger porcelain effect.
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Quantity
Approximately 50 seeds per packet
Exposure
Sun or partial shade; avoid scorching sites
Life cycle
Cool-season annual

Discover the plant

Common nameSorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola
FamilyViolaceae
GenusViola
Speciescornuta
CultivarSorbet® XP Delft Blue F1
TypeBare seeds · F1 hybrid
Botanical nameViola cornuta

Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola (Viola cornuta) bears true-blue bicolour flowers with white faces, a striking contrast inspired by Delft porcelain. A Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner, this compact variety reaches 15 to 20 cm tall and equally wide. It suits borders, beds, pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Its luminous colour remains visible in cool sun and partial shade. Repeat several plants for an even ribbon or pair them with compact silver foliage. Its even habit supports an orderly display in small spaces near paths, steps, and seating areas.

The W.H. Perron packet contains approximately 50 bare seeds. Sow indoors eight weeks before outdoor planting in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Maintain 18 to 21°C and light moisture without waterlogging; germination normally takes 7 to 10 days. After emergence, provide bright light, good air movement, and relatively cool conditions. Harden young plants gradually, then transplant them 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Keep each crown at its original depth and water gently during establishment. Keep the plant label with each tray and delay planting whenever a hard frost remains possible.

Humus-rich soil that remains fresh and drains freely supports flowering from June through September. Water when the surface begins to dry, especially in containers, and remove faded blooms to encourage new buds. The plant enjoys sun while temperatures remain moderate, tolerates partial shade very well, and performs best away from scorching sites. W.H. Perron lists this variety for edible flowers. Use only correctly identified blooms grown without pesticides not approved for food crops. Keep every crown visible for watering and faded-flower removal. Avoid companions that trap heat or moisture against the viola foliage.

Close view of a Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola, Viola cornuta, bearing true-blue bicolour flowers with white faces above compact green foliage. The contrast recalls Delft porcelain and clearly identifies this variety for containers, borders, and hanging baskets. The view highlights both the flower contrast and the plant’s compact, even habit.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Cover lightly in porous seed-starting mix

Spacing / density

Space for an approximately 20-cm spread

Germination temperature

18 to 21°C

Germination time

7 to 10 days

Sowing period

Indoors 8 weeks before outdoor planting

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow indoors eight weeks before outdoor planting in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Distribute the bare seeds, cover them lightly, and maintain 18 to 21°C. Keep the medium evenly moist without waterlogging; germination normally takes 7 to 10 days. After emergence, immediately provide bright light, good air movement, and cooler temperatures for compact seedlings. Water from below or at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Transplant carefully once seedlings can be handled without burying the crown. Harden them gradually to sun, wind, and cool nights. Plant outside 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in loosened, freely drained soil. Set the root ball at its original depth, press soil lightly, and water regularly during establishment. Choose sun where the site remains cool or partial shade when afternoons become hot. Remove faded flowers to encourage new buds and allow approximately 10 to 11 weeks from sowing to bloom. Keep the label with the tray throughout production, rotate pots for even light, and remove only damaged leaves. Check weekly for slugs, snails, or leaf spots so problems can be addressed promptly. Delay outdoor planting whenever a hard frost remains possible.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil

Minimum temperature

Frost tender during annual production

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water regularly during establishment, then check the surface before each application. Viola prefers fresh, even moisture, but its roots suffer in saturated soil. Water at soil level in the morning until the entire root ball is moist, then allow excess water to drain. Containers and hanging baskets need more frequent checks during hot or windy weather. Reduce frequency during cool or rainy periods and always empty saucers. Foliage that remains wet overnight may encourage leaf disease.

Soil type

Humus-rich soil that remains fresh and drains freely is best. Loosen the planting area to approximately 30 cm and incorporate potting mix or mature compost when structure is poor. Keep the crown level with the soil and avoid depressions where water remains after rain. In containers, choose porous mix and unobstructed drainage holes. Soil may remain lightly moist but should never be saturated. A thin mulch can stabilize moisture without touching the crowns.

Fertilization

At transplanting, a moderate amendment or soil activator may support rooting when used according to its label. Afterwards, soil enriched with mature compost is often sufficient. In containers, apply diluted balanced fertilizer only when growth or flowering slows. Avoid strong, repeated feeding, which can produce soft foliage or allow salts to accumulate in the potting mix. Water first when the medium is dry and do not fertilize a plant stressed by heat. Always follow the labelled rate for the selected product.

Moisture

Consistent without saturation

Seasonal care

In spring, start seeds eight weeks before planting and maintain 18 to 21°C until emergence. After germination, provide bright light and cool temperatures to keep seedlings compact. Rotate trays, monitor moisture, and harden young plants gradually. Transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost into a cool sunny or partly shaded location. During establishment, water regularly without saturating the soil. In summer, remove faded blooms, check pots more often, and protect plants from scorching afternoons. Extended heat may reduce flowering; keep soil fresh and wait for moderate temperatures before lightly trimming damaged foliage. Inspect plants for slugs, snails, or leaf spots and maintain good air movement. In autumn, flowering may resume as nights cool. Temporarily shelter containers from an early frost when you want to extend the display. At season’s end, clean pots and record sowing, emergence, and first-bloom dates to adjust the next crop. Also inspect drainage after heavy rain, clear fallen leaves, and keep the label with every container. When flowers are harvested, clearly mark untreated plants and use clean tools reserved for that crop. Review which exposure preserved bloom best through the hottest part of summer. Remove only damaged growth, keep crowns open to air, and check for slugs after rain. Before an early frost, move containers to a sheltered position and continue monitoring moisture until the display is removed.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Use a container at least 20 to 25 cm wide, or a window box long enough to space plants for their 20-cm spread. Choose several drainage holes and porous potting mix enriched with mature compost. Keep the crown level with the medium and water thoroughly after planting. Place the pot in sun during cool periods or bright partial shade when afternoons become hot. Test moisture with a finger because hanging baskets dry faster, but never leave water in a saucer. Remove faded flowers to maintain a neat display and encourage new buds. Rotate the container for balanced light, space companion plants, and inspect leaf undersides regularly. Very light balanced feeding may be supplied when flowering slows. During a heat wave, temporarily move the pot away from scorching sun and keep the mix fresh without waterlogging. Shelter it from an early frost to extend autumn colour. Clear fallen debris, confirm that drainage holes remain open, and record the watering rhythm that suits your exposure. In a shared window box, trim companions that begin to cover the viola crowns. Keep edible blooms clearly separated from treated ornamentals. Check container stability after wind and keep drainage holes clear.
Close view of a Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola, Viola cornuta, bearing true-blue bicolour flowers with white faces above compact green foliage. The contrast recalls Delft porcelain and clearly identifies this variety for containers, borders, and hanging baskets. The view highlights both the flower contrast and the plant’s compact, even habit.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in)

Width / spread

15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in)

Flower color

White edged with intense blue to violet

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Green foliage

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Compact and rounded

Fragrance

No particular fragrance confirmed

Bloom period

Bicolour flowers display true blue around white faces that recall Delft porcelain. The first buds normally develop within a 10-to-11-week cycle when plants are grown at moderate temperatures. W.H. Perron lists flowering from June through September. Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage new buds. During extended heat, bright partial shade and consistent moisture help preserve the foliage until cooler nights return.

Fruiting

WH Perron classifies this variety as an edible flower. This precaution allows you to enjoy the color in the garden while ensuring a clean and identifiable harvest. If you are harvesting flowers, clearly mark untreated plants and use clean tools reserved for this harvest. At the time of transplanting, a moderate amendment or soil activator can support root development when used according to its label.

Days to maturity

10 to 11 weeks
Close view of a Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola, Viola cornuta, bearing true-blue bicolour flowers with white faces above compact green foliage. The contrast recalls Delft porcelain and clearly identifies this variety for containers, borders, and hanging baskets. The view highlights both the flower contrast and the plant’s compact, even habit.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Pair this viola with tulips, daffodils, alyssum, forget-me-nots, or compact silver foliage plants that enjoy fresh, drained soil. The blue-and-white contrast combines readily with yellow, white, green, and silver foliage. Allow a 15-to-20-cm spread and avoid vigorous plants that would cover the crowns. In containers, choose companions with similar watering needs. Keep every crown visible for watering at soil level, faded-flower removal, and good air movement. Position taller companions behind the violas so the blue-and-white flowers remain visible from nearby paths.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Correctly identified flowers grown without pesticides not approved for food crops
Gently rinse several fresh, correctly identified flowers, then blot them dry without crushing. Use them as a colourful garnish on a salad, dessert, cheese plate, or cold drink. Their role is primarily decorative, so begin with a small amount. Harvest only flowers grown expressly for food, away from roads and animals, and never treated with a pesticide not approved for food crops. Keep every crown visible for watering and faded-flower removal. Avoid companions that trap heat or moisture against the viola foliage. Remove damaged portions and serve soon after picking. For a simple presentation, place one whole flower on each serving immediately before service, or scatter several petals over pale icing. Store unwashed blooms briefly in a ventilated container in the refrigerator, then rinse them only when needed. Never eat the bare seeds, roots, or any plant that was not grown expressly for food. Introduce every new edible flower gradually and stop consumption if an unusual reaction occurs. Keep the labelled packet nearby to confirm the botanical identity.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

What is included in a Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-9331-010, contains approximately 50 bare Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 viola seeds. Bare seed has no advertised coating and is not presented as primed. This is an F1 hybrid, so seed eventually collected from the plants may not reproduce the same Delft blue colouring, uniformity, or dimensions. Store the closed, labelled packet in a cool, dry place until sowing. The seeds are not intended for eating. Keep the label with the tray so the variety remains easy to confirm throughout cultivation. Sow only the amount needed, close the packet promptly, and keep unused seed dry.
How should Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 be sown successfully?
Sow indoors eight weeks before outdoor planting in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Cover the bare seeds lightly and maintain 18 to 21°C. Keep the medium lightly moist without saturation; emergence normally takes 7 to 10 days. After germination, place seedlings in bright light in a cooler, well-ventilated location. Transplant them without burying the crown, then harden them gradually. Plant outside 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in a sunny but non-scorching position or in partial shade. Water regularly during establishment. Keep the label with the plants and delay outdoor planting whenever a hard frost remains possible. Rotate the young plants regularly for balanced light.
Where should this viola be planted during summer?
Choose full sun while temperatures remain cool and bright partial shade when afternoons become hot. W.H. Perron notes that the plant enjoys sun but dislikes scorching situations. Grow it in humus-rich, fresh, well-drained soil and allow 15 to 20 cm for spread. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry and remove faded flowers. Extended heat may slow flowering; keep the soil fresh without waterlogging during that period. The plant may form new buds as temperatures decline. Avoid standing water and foliage that remains wet overnight. Inspect the crown after heavy rain and remove fallen debris without disturbing the roots. Keep the plant label nearby and avoid fertilizing seedlings before active growth is established.
Can Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 be grown in a container?
Yes. Its 15-to-20-cm height and approximately 20-cm spread suit pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Use a container at least 20 to 25 cm wide with several drainage holes and porous potting mix. Keep the crown level with the medium, water thoroughly at planting, then check the surface before each new application. Place the pot in cool sun or partial shade during hot periods. Empty the saucer, remove faded flowers, and rotate the container for balanced light. Hanging baskets require more frequent moisture checks during windy weather. Keep drainage holes open, move the basket away from scorching afternoon sun, and inspect foliage for slugs or leaf spots.
Are Sorbet® XP Delft Blue F1 flowers edible?
Yes. W.H. Perron lists this variety for edible flowers, and Viola cornuta blooms may be used as a garnish. Eat only flowers whose identity is certain and that were grown expressly for food. Never use a bloom from a plant treated with a pesticide not approved for food crops, purchased as a treated decorative plant, or exposed to roadside contaminants. Rinse flowers gently, remove damaged portions, and begin with a small amount. The bare seeds in the packet are not intended for eating. If you have an allergy or medical concern, avoid consumption and consult a qualified professional. Keep edible flowers clearly separated from treated ornamental plants.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Viola cornuta may also support the larvae of some fritillary butterflies. Visits vary with habitat and season. Avoid insecticides on open blooms and add other nectar plants to extend available resources. Leave enough space around every crown so visitors can reach the flowers and wet foliage can dry promptly.