Sow A Seed Grow A Violet

Did I hear you say “I did not  know African Violets have seeds.”

Most  assume an African violet is always propagated using a leaf or cutting.  This is  vegetative reproduction or cloning; a very popular method,  cloning produces  a duplicate of the parent.

Assemble equipment the night before planting day

Each year hundreds of new varieties are introduced and registered with AVSA and other agencies.  These varieties are results of cross pollination to produce seeds.   That is the first step in a long process to bring to market  the named lovelies  we take such delight in.

Any  one can cross pollinate to get a seed pod;  I  purchase seeds from a dealer.   Each seed produces  a unique variety.  Should I be fortunate enough to grow a VERY different variety from seeds; I can claim ownership, name and register it;  many plants will be pretty, but very few worthy of this  honor.

Every grower should sow seeds, at least once.  Not only is it fun, it is a quick,inexpensive way to acquire a number of blooming plants in less than a year.

Part of  FUN WITH VIOLETS  can be seeing the look of amazement  when some admires  a plant and comments on how lovely it is.

You casually reply, “Isn’t it?  I grew it from seeds.”

Supplies are simple:

1. Seeds
2. A container with a clear cover
3. Damp planting mix
4. A spray bottle of water
5. Patience

The seeds are  microscopic.

The planting tray can be any small container with a clear covering; African violets seeds must have light to germinate.  My photos show a baby food container.

Prepare to plant:

• The night before planting seeds,  gather supplies.
• Dampen the mix;  let it air overnight, you want a planting mix with a rung out washcloth- like dampness.
• Put very tiny holes in opposite corners of the container; 2 top and 2 bottom

Sowing the seeds

This is what I see on the paper with naked eye. Nothing!

Under a magnifying glass I see there are seeds. Lots of seeds.

Almost 24 hours later I am ready to sow the seeds.   This is  nerve racking;  it seems I am sowing my imagination!

I open the seed pack over a creased   sheet of  white paper, as instructed; gently, I tap.  Are there really seeds in this envelope?  I see nothing on the sheet of paper!

Under a magnifying glass I am able to see lots of seeds!

Whew!

Now I  have to put them on top of the mixture in the container. I lift the creased sheet of paper ; very carefully I sprinkle them on top of the medium, I hope.

It is now a wait and see,  for from 14 – 21 days,  tiny green sprouts will begin to appear.

Before closing the lid,  spritz lightly with a spray bottle.

Remember, these seeds must have light to germinate.  Keep container at 70 -80 degrees to get plants within 2 weeks; otherwise, it can be much longer.

Stay tuned for a progress report.