Hybrid

Sorbet Formula Mix

Viola cornuta

Photo: Isidre blanc · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Upright stems with petite, 1-1 1/2" flowers. Tolerates temperature extremes and will bloom through winter in the South when planted in fall. A formula blend of blackberry, blueberry, coconut, French vanilla, lemon chiffon, lavender ice and more. Also known as pansy, Johnny jump-up, European field pansy, and horned violet.Edible Flowers: Decorative and edible garnish for salads and desserts with slight wintergreen flavor. While a popular choice for brightening up salad mix, the flowers are also good for candying.

Harvest

60-70d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

6–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-9 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Sorbet Formula Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Sorbet Formula Mix · Zones 6–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-12 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates various pH levels

WaterRegular moisture, keep soil consistently moist

SeasonWarm season annual

ColorMulti-color mix: blackberry, blueberry, lavender, lemon, coconut, vanilla

Size1-1 1/2"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—

Succession Planting

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost — that puts you at early February in zone 7 — and transplant out in April once nighttime temps stay reliably above 40°F. Direct sow additional rounds every 3 weeks from April through early June to keep flowers coming before summer heat shuts them down; Sorbet Formula Mix tends to stop blooming once daytime highs consistently hit 85°F.

For a fall flush, start another tray indoors in late July and transplant in September. These violas will often carry through winter in zone 7 with light frost cloth on the coldest nights, then push new flowers again in late February before you pull them for warm-season crops.

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low, Medium. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The fruit is a three valves capsule. The seeds have an oily feel and are freely dispersed by ants.

Edibility: Flowers and leaves are edible.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh pansy flowers are best stored in the refrigerator at 34-40°F with moderate humidity (60-70%) to maintain petal color and texture. Place stems in water or on damp paper towels in a sealed container; they'll keep for 3-5 days. For longer preservation, candy the flowers by brushing with egg white and coating with superfine sugar, then allow to dry completely for 24-48 hours—they'll last 1-2 months in an airtight container. Alternatively, freeze flowers in ice cubes for later decorative use in beverages, or press flowers between parchment paper under weight for dried arrangements lasting several months.

History & Origin

Origin: France and Spain

Advantages

+Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators
+Edible: Flowers and leaves are edible.
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Marigolds are the most practical neighbor here — they deter aphids and spider mites through scent, and both plants top out under 12 inches so neither shades the other out. Sweet Alyssum fills in at the edges and pulls in predatory wasps that knock back aphid populations without any intervention from you. Nasturtiums work as a trap crop, drawing aphids away from the violas before they build up to problem numbers. Skip fennel — it's allelopathic to most annuals, and in our zone 7 Georgia gardens it self-seeds aggressively enough to crowd out anything you actually planted on purpose. Black walnut releases juglone through its roots and will stunt or kill Viola cornuta planted anywhere near its canopy.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles

Zinnias

Attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects

Cosmos

Attract beneficial insects and provide structural support

Basil

Repels thrips, aphids, and spider mites

Lavender

Deters pests with strong fragrance and attracts beneficial pollinators

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of most flowering plants

Eucalyptus

Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby plant growth

Fennel

Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic root secretions

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids, slugs

Diseases

Powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spot

Troubleshooting Sorbet Formula Mix

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

White powdery coating on leaves and stems, spreading from older growth first

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) — kicks in when nights cool down and humidity swings, common in spring and fall
Poor airflow from overcrowded spacing under 6 inches

What to Do

1.Remove and trash the worst-affected leaves immediately — don't compost them
2.Thin plants to at least 6 inches apart so air can move through
3.Apply a diluted neem oil spray (2 tsp per quart of water) every 7 days until new growth looks clean

Plants wilting despite moist soil, with yellowing at the base and soft, dark stem tissue at the soil line

Likely Causes

Root rot — usually Pythium or Phytophthora species — triggered by consistently waterlogged soil or containers without drainage
Planting in heavy clay without amendment

What to Do

1.Pull the plant and check the roots — brown mush means root rot; those plants won't recover, so pull them before the pathogen spreads
2.Work 2-3 inches of compost into the bed and raise the planting area slightly before putting anything new in that spot
3.Water in the morning so the surface dries out before nightfall

Ragged holes chewed through leaves and flowers overnight, with silvery slime trails visible in the morning

Likely Causes

Slugs — especially active during cool, wet stretches in spring and after rain
Dense mulch or debris immediately around the plant crowns giving them daytime shelter

What to Do

1.Set out iron phosphate bait (Sluggo is a widely available brand) around the plants at dusk — it's safe around pets and pollinators
2.Pull mulch back 2-3 inches from the plant crowns so slugs lose their hiding spots
3.Check under any boards or pots nearby at night with a flashlight and hand-pick

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Sorbet Formula Mix flowers to bloom from planting?▼

Sorbet Formula Mix pansies typically reach blooming stage in 60-70 days from planting. In optimal conditions with proper light (4-6+ hours daily) and consistent moisture, you may see earlier blooms. For winter flowering in southern regions, plant in fall to allow establishment before cooler temperatures trigger blooming.

Are pansies good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, pansies are excellent for beginners. They're rated 'Easy' to grow, tolerant of temperature extremes, and bloom reliably through winter in southern climates when fall-planted. They require minimal special care and forgive inconsistencies, making them ideal for first-time flower growers seeking reliable results.

Can Sorbet Formula Mix pansies be grown in containers?▼

Absolutely. These upright-stemmed pansies thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Ensure containers have drainage holes and use well-draining potting soil. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Container growing is actually ideal for showcasing the petite 1-1½" blooms and allows easy repositioning for optimal sun exposure (4-6+ hours daily).

What do Sorbet Formula Mix pansy flowers taste like?▼

Sorbet pansies have a subtle wintergreen flavor with delicate floral notes. They're mild and slightly sweet, making them perfect edible garnishes. The flavor pairs well with desserts and salads without overpowering dishes. Their culinary appeal combines visual beauty with gentle taste, ideal for candied flowers or fresh salad decoration.

When should I plant Sorbet Formula Mix pansies?▼

Plant in spring after last frost for summer-to-fall blooms, or in fall (6-8 weeks before first frost) for winter flowering, especially in southern regions. Fall planting triggers earlier blooming even in cold months. They tolerate temperature extremes well, so timing is flexible—choose based on your desired bloom season.

Are these pansies the same as Johnny jump-ups?▼

Sorbet pansies are closely related to Johnny jump-ups and European field pansies (Viola species). While technically classified as pansies with petite 1-1½" flowers, they share the same hardiness, edibility, and ease of cultivation. The main difference is flower size—true pansies have larger blooms, while johnny jump-ups are smaller. Sorbet varieties bridge both categories.