Johnny Jump Up Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost (Sorbet Series) (Va)
ABOUT
The Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost is a vibrant and eye-catching flowering plant that is a delight to have in any garden. This plant features a stunning display of petite flowers, each possessing a unique color palette that captivates the onlooker. The blossoms exhibit a creamy yellow hue, gracefully blending into a soft white towards the edges. The center of the flowers often bears a delicate whiskered pattern, with faint lines radiating from the middle, giving the impression of intricately etched frost patterns. The contrast of the warm yellow against the cool white is reminiscent of a frosty morning where the sun begins to melt the ice, resulting in an exquisitely gentle and frosted appearance. The leaves of the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost are equally attractive, typically lush and green, providing a lovely backdrop to the bright flowers. The foliage grows in a dense, compact habit that creates a full and bushy appearance, making it a perfect choice for adding texture and depth to garden beds, containers, or borders. The overall aesthetic of this plant is charming and cheerful, bringing a splash of sunshine and a touch of frost to any space it graces. Despite its delicate looks, the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost is known for being quite hardy and capable of thriving in a variety of settings, which only adds to its appeal for gardeners looking for both beauty and resilience in their floral displays.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Violaceae
Synonyms
Horned Violet, Tufted Violet
Common names
Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost (Sorbet Series) (Va).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant known as Viola, including the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. No severe toxicity is expected if ingested in small quantities. However, eating large amounts of any plant material may cause discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the unusual content of plant compounds. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume this plant, particularly for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those prone to allergic reactions.
To pets
The Viola plant, including the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, is also generally considered non-toxic to common household pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests this plant, it is unlikely to suffer from severe poisoning. However, as with humans, consumption of plant parts in large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, which could manifest as symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has eaten a large amount of this plant and is showing symptoms, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Spread
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Colorful Blooms: Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost offers vibrant yellow and white flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Flowering Season: These plants have an extended blooming period, from early spring to late fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Compact Growth: With their compact and mounding growth habit, they are ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, maximizing limited space.
- Easy to Grow: They thrive in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for novice gardeners and those with less experience.
- Cold Tolerance: They are cold-tolerant, which makes them an excellent choice for early spring and late fall planting when temperatures are lower.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care, such as occasional watering and deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible, with a mild flavor that can add a unique touch to salads and desserts.
- Versatile Usage: These pansies are versatile in landscape design, working well in both formal and informal settings.
- Disease Resistant: The Sorbet series, including Yellow Frost, is bred for resistance to common pansy diseases, making the plants healthier and more robust.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The vibrant petals of Viola can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or paper making for natural embellishments and a touch of color.
- Viola blossoms can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar to create delicate, edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- The flowers are sometimes used to make a naturally dyed fabric, providing a soft yellow hue to cloth without using synthetic dyes.
- Dried Viola petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle, sweet fragrance in your home.
- Viola flowers are utilized in crafts, such as making floral candles or embedding petals into homemade soaps for visual appeal.
- When frozen into ice cubes, Viola blooms can add a decorative touch to beverages during special events or gatherings.
- The petals of Viola can be used to create natural, biodegradable confetti for eco-friendly celebrations.
- Viola plants can be used as a natural food coloring agent, giving a yellow tint to pastries and confections when petals are infused in syrups or oils.
- Artists may use the juice from the petals of the Viola flower as a watercolor paint for botanical illustrations and other artwork.
- Viola petals can serve as part of a floral arrangement or centerpiece in terrariums, providing a sprinkle of bright color amidst greenery.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The pansy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The pansy is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Innocence: The Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost shares its symbolism with other violas and pansies, often representing innocence due to its delicate and unassuming flower.
- Remembrance: In Victorian symbolism, violas were commonly given to express the sentiment 'thinking of you,' making them a symbol of remembrance.
- Youthful happiness: The bright and cheerful color of the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost evokes feelings of joy and playfulness, reminiscent of the simplicity of childhood.
- Thoughts occupied with love: Violas often communicate the idea of being filled with thoughts of love, echoing the tradition of giving pansies to a loved one as a token of affection.
- Water
Pansies, including the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, prefer consistently moist soil, so it's ideal to water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this might translate to watering once or twice a week. The method of watering should be gentle and directed at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. While specific amounts can vary based on climate and soil type, a general rule is to provide the pansies with about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season.
- Light
Pansies, such as the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, thrive in full to partial sunlight. The best spot for these flowers would be one where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, although they can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Too much shade can lead to leggy plants and fewer flowers, so it's important to strike a balance with the right amount of light.
- Temperature
Pansies, such as the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, perform well in cooler temperatures and can tolerate a frost. They generally prefer temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plants. Ideally, plant pansies where they will experience cooler temperatures to encourage robust growth and blooming.
- Pruning
Pansies, which include the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, benefit from deadheading to promote more blooms and extend the flowering period. Prune off spent flowers and any damaged or diseased leaves as necessary. The best time for pruning is when blooms fade or after a harsh weather event. Regular pruning, every few weeks during the blooming season, will keep your pansies looking tidy and encourage more flowers.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Pansies prefer well-draining soil high in organic matter with a pH range of 5.4 to 5.8. A soil mix containing peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite will support healthy growth. Adjust pH with lime or sulfur if necessary.
- Repotting
Pansies typically do not need repotting as they are annual or biennial. Replace with fresh plants each year or biennially for best results.
- Humidity & Misting
Pansies thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoid overly dry or very high humidity environments for optimal growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place pansies near a sunny window; rotate for even growth.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun; ensure good air circulation and drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost begins with seed germination, usually in early spring or after the winter frost, where the seeds need a period of cold to encourage sprouting. Once germinated, the seedlings develop into young plants with distinctive heart-shaped leaves and begin to form flower buds. The plant enters its flowering stage next, where it produces the characteristic yellow and purple bicolor flowers, which can occur in bursts throughout spring, summer, and fall if given the right conditions. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will develop into fruit capsules containing seeds. As the growing season ends, if it is an annual, the plant will die after it sets seeds, but if it's considered as a perennial or biennial in some climates, the plant may enter dormancy during the winter, surviving cold weather to regrow the following spring. During its mature stage, the plant focuses energy on expanding its foliage and root system to support more flowering in the subsequent seasons.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
Viola Sorbet Yellow Frost, commonly known as pansy, is usually propagated through seed. The ideal time to sow pansy seeds is during late winter to early spring, ensuring that the seedlings are ready to be transplanted outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. To propagate pansies by seed, a gardener would start by sowing the seeds in a tray or pots filled with seed starting mix, lightly covering them with soil. The surface should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the trays or pots should be placed in a bright, warm location with indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within one to two weeks at a temperature around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted to their final growing location or into individual pots to mature a little more before planting out.