African Violet Seeds

African violet seeds

Most African violets are started from cuttings or from dividing plants. However, it is possible to grow African violets from seeds. This takes about the same amount of time as starting from cuttings, but you'll get more plants from seeds than you would from propagating cuttings.

How long does it take for violets to grow from seed?

From seed to flower: 6-12 months. African Violets thrive in bright, indirect, or curtain filtered sunlight although as light intensity increases during summer months, it may be advisable to shift locations of plant to an east or even north exposure.

What can I do with African violet seed pods?

The seed pod should be left on the violet until it has turned brown and is completely dry as well as the stem that supports it. It will require about 3-5 months from date of the cross pollination to the time that the seed pod is mature and can be removed from the plant.

Where are the seeds on an African violet?

So this is the glassine envelope that contains the seeds. You can see in the bottom corner here

How do you start African violet from seed?

Sprinkle your African Violet seeds on top of a damp, peat-based potting mix. Keep them warm and humid, and light them with a grow lamp or bright, indirect sunlight. You should see tiny seedlings after 2-3 weeks. After a month or two, they should be tall enough to transplant into individual pots.

Do African violets multiply?

African violets and rex begonias both multiply readily from leaf cuttings. Use whole or even parts of leaves to propagate either of these plants. Because a detached begonia or African violet leaf wilts quickly, always have your pot of soil ready before you take the cutting.

How do you collect violet seeds?

Collecting seeds from violets takes a little observation. Within a week or two of the last flowers appearances, check the plants regularly for the ½″ pale green seedpods. The pods point downward until the seeds begin to ripen, when they turn tan and papery, and reorient, pointing upwards.

How do violet seeds spread?

Violets spread by underground rhizomes and may form vegetative colonies. They also spread by seed. Flowers near the soil surface that never really open, called cleistogamous or non-opening, self-pollinating, shoot seeds out to establish a new colony away from the parent.

Are violets self seeding?

Violets will also self-sow and you can collect the seed by placing small mesh bags over the developing seed pods. Sow fresh seed into pots filled with seed raising mix and keep moist until seedlings emerge.

How do you harvest African violet seed pods?

If the pod forms, it takes about two months for it to fully mature. After two months, remove the pod from the plant and carefully crack it open to harvest the seeds.

Can you reuse seed pods?

Our Seed Pods are not reusable since they get overgrown with roots. You should have no issues with transplanting the Aerogarden seed pods into your own soil if you care to do so. Please visit our website to find our Grow Anything Seed Pod Kits that you can use to plant your own seeds in our seedpods.

Can I use Miracle Gro for African violets?

African violets grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix is specially formulated to provide indoor plants like African violets with just the right growing environment.

Can you start an African violet from a cutting?

African violets are easily propagated by leaf cuttings. Select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife. Leave 1 to 1½ inches of the leaf stem (petiole) attached to the leaf blade. Fill a pot with a moistened 50:50 mix of vermiculite and coarse sand.

Is it better to root African violets in water or soil?

The good news is that it's easy to root these flowering beauties. The quickest and easiest way I've found to root African violets is in water using a leaf. You can take the leaf from your existing African violets, or even from a friend's plant.

Do African violets only bloom once a year?

They're known to bloom continuously, even throughout the darker months of winter. Place them throughout the house to enjoy their colors and velvety texture throughout the year. Once you get in a regular routine of taking care of African violets, you'll find they grow very easily.

Can you root an African violet in water?

The traditional way of propagating violet leaves is to place the stem into water until roots begin to grow. Using this method, select a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant by toggling it from side to side until is pulls free. Avoid pinching or bruising the leaf as this may lead to rotting.

How quickly do African violets grow?

Young violet plants will appear in 8 to 10 weeks and be ready for transplanting in three months.

How hard is it to grow African violets?

Though these fuzzy blooming houseplants have a reputation for being finicky, African violet are actually not difficult to grow once you know how to follow some basic rules for their care. And, in the right conditions, these plants may bloom all year round.

What is the lifespan of African violet?

Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. "Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years," says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.

Can African violets live forever?

A Long, Long Life The life span of an African violet is long -- in fact, they can live forever, according to the Bay State African Violet Society. Of course, this doesn't mean you can plant them and leave them alone.