Viola hybrida 'Sorbet F1 Neptune'

Viola Sorbet XP Neptune F1 is a premium F1 hybrid cultivar of Viola cornuta, admired for its compact habit, early flowering, and captivating coloration. It belongs to the Sorbet 'XP' series, which is well-regarded in horticultural circles for its uniformity, strong branching, and consistent performance across a wide range of climates and seasons. This particular variety, 'Neptune', displays striking blooms characterised by a soothing blend of soft blue and cream petals, often with a delicate yellow center and a faint blue picotee edge. The subtle yet eye-catching coloration makes it especially appealing for cool-season floral displays.

This variety thrives as an annual in most gardens but may act as a short-lived perennial in some areas. It remains compact, typically reaching about 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in both height and spread, forming neat mounds that are ideal for edging, mass planting, or container gardening. It blooms prolifically from early spring through late spring and, in mild climates, can flower through autumn and even winter, offering continuous seasonal interest. Its blooms are not only decorative but also lightly fragrant and edible, often used as garnishes in salads and desserts.

One of the standout features of this cultivar is its resilience. It is notably tolerant of temperature fluctuations and adverse weather, which contributes to its extended blooming capacity. The plant also requires minimal maintenance—regular deadheading promotes further flowering, but otherwise it retains its compact form. Moreover, it is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of ornamental plantings.

Overall, Viola Sorbet XP Neptune F1 is a refined and reliable choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-impact flowering plant suitable for various garden styles and climate conditions. Its balance of beauty, performance, and versatility makes it a favourite among both amateur and professional growers.

Sowing:
Violas are perennial plants but are often treated as annuals or biennials. 60 days from seed. They can be sown practically all year if at temperatures of around 15 to 20°C (60 to 68°F) can be provided.
They can be sown in December to February for May blooms. Sow before July for flowering in autumn, or sow September to December for larger spring blooms.

Use a good quality seed starting mix (John Innes or similar) or make a mixture of compost, a little vermiculite and a little sand to give drainage. Sieve the compost into pots or cell packs and press it down lightly. Add a little more compost if necessary. Make a small indentation with your finger and pop one seed into each indentation.
Light is not required for germination. A medium covering of coarse grade vermiculite is recommended to help maintain high humidity around the germinating seed, if you do not have vermiculite, cover lightly with sieved soil.
Place the containers in a cold greenhouse or outside in a cold frame, ideally at temperatures of around 15 to 20°C (60 to 68°F) Avoid temperatures above 21°C (70°F) to prevent seedling stretch. Maintain the soil at fairly wet moisture levels, i.e., the media is glistening, but water will not ooze out from the bottom of the tray and will penetrate only slightly from the top around the fingertip.

Transplanting:
Optimal outside growing temperatures are 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) days, and nights in the low 50s°F (11 to 15°C) for the first few weeks. Violas can also tolerate lower night temperatures – in the 40s°F (5 to 9°C). Fertilise with a balanced fertiliser in the growing media mix to encourage good foliar growth before flowering.
Violas will thrive in any good soil and, although they will do well in part shade, they appreciate plenty of sunshine. Viola flowers follow the sun, or, on dull days, they follow the best light. Plant them where you look at them with the sun or light behind you - then their flowers will face you.
Plant plain-faced types en masse in beds and borders, and bicolours and whiskered types along paths and in containers where you can appreciate the delicacy of their pretty patterns.

Cultivation:
One thing that helps violas give their very best is regular dead-heading. So as soon as the flowers fade, nip them off. Use kitchen scissors or thumb and forefinger. During the growing season, fertilise the plants monthly with a balanced fertiliser. Water the plants well and allow to dry slightly before watering again.

Plant Uses:
Violas combine well with spring bulbs and foliage plants in containers. They make excellent ground cover planted under shrubs and trees and the edible varieties can also be grown with mixed salad leaves. A few of the longer stemmed varieties in a small vase will last over a week and look magical.

Edible Flowers:
The entire blossom of violas can be eaten, including the petiole. (The leaves and roots aren’t considered fit for human consumption.). This is a huge advantage as you can use whole blooms in salads or as lavish garnishes on cupcakes or cream-based spring pies, without resorting to painstakingly plucking petals.
The blossoms frozen in ice cubes are always beautiful. The flowers make a beautiful addition to any spring meal, even if only as a decoration. If you are planning to use your pansies in the kitchen, be sure not to use pesticides or other chemicals.

Origin:
Viola Sorbet F1 series is a hybrid, bred from Viola cornuta, the horned violet. The 'F1' tag means it's a first-generation hybrid, crafted for uniform blooms, compact growth, and resilience in both heat and cold. Its precise parentage is closely guarded, but it's rooted in V. cornuta genetics.
Viola cornuta, a true perennial from the Pyrenees, returns year after year. The same goes for Viola labradorica from Greenland, along with Viola odorata and Viola riviniana, both closely related to the wild violets that grace our woodlands.

Nomenclature:
The genus, from Latin, viola means violet, both the flower and the colour. It likely has older Indo-European roots, linked to words for flowers and fragrance. Romans used the word viola for the sweet-smelling wild violet (Viola odorata), prized in gardens and poetry alike.
Viola is the Latin form of the Greek name Ione. There is a legend that when Jupiter changed his beloved Io into a white heifer for fear of Juno's jealousy, he caused these modest flowers to spring forth from the earth to be fitting food for her, and he gave them her name.
The species name, cornuta is from Latin cornutus, meaning 'horned' which refers to the flower’s slightly spurred, horn-like petals, a hallmark of Viola cornuta. So, the common name of 'Horned Violet' is descriptive, a poetic nod to its shape and lineage.