I have the same problem with Louisiana Lullaby. It has such lovely blossoms, but simply do not stand up for me. The foliage is a bit unruly, and just is not an orderly AV, although it is very beautiful. I have way too many AVs now, and have had to choose carefully what I keep. And also have streps. Shelf room becomes very precious. You can find photos of Louisiana Lullaby at the AVSA web site in Photographs, under "L" at http://www.avsa.org . I grow violets for a number of different reasons, and everyone will have their own reasons. SOme I have live up to nobody's expectations but my own; some are sentimental that I will just never get rid of; some are because they might win in show; some because they are so very hardy; and some are just cute as they can be!! Here is a link that might be useful: AVSA Photos -

I had a similar pod on Calling (Blyth) last season, and simply shoved it in a pot of soil. Very lazy of me I know. I think some hybridisers simply harvest the stalks at this stage and stick them in a vase or bottle. Anyway, mine were fine, and did better than ones i have fussed over. Sometimes i bring in a still slightly green pod that has broken off, and just lay it on my desk shelf besides the computer. I rarely have to throw the seeds away because the pod was too green. I do discard them cheerfully if I don't think the cross is worth growing, and I advise others to do the same. It is certainly fun to get your first seedlings, but really not worth growing seeds just because you have them. My first crosses weren't worth the time i put into them, but were a learning process. After 8 years of growing from seed, I am yet to register and introduce anything, but getting very close. I guess I am pretty fussy.

Tony, Scent wise this one has zero scent that I can detect, but I am willing to cut it some slack just for the overall size, and display of flowers. If it had a typical plumeria fragrance it would be perfect. Jim, I only purchased from Thai sellers on Ebay in 2008. Two of the sellers sent me exactly what I asked for, although my first crack at it resulted in three cuttings that, although true to name, were very dessicated and took almost a year to root, and three years before they were much to look at. The other two vendors sent me plants that turned out to be nothing like what they were supposed to be. I think the vendor that sent me what I asked for goes under the ebay name of Anamanyee or something similar. Caveat emptor ;)

So, I guess I should say one thing: I don't make a habit of buying damaged plants. The reason I came home with these was that the nice old gentleman that worked at the big box place was very kind and sweet, and sold me up on them. They were $0.50/ea. so I walked out of there with 4 plants for two bucks, and figured if they didn't do well, I wouldn't mind so much. One was frost bitten, and I think the others were badly bird nibbled. So, again, it is not my habit to do this. I am genuinely pleased with how they all turned out pretty well. Let me see if I can answer all the questions put to me: Rina: We've talked about my mix many many many times ;) The 40/40/20 is what I have at the moment and it seems to be working pretty well. I will adjust it down the road when I can, but that's what I've got to work with :) I've got your mix in the back of my brain so when I am able to spend some extra cash on more supplies, that is first on the list. Thank you for the info on pups. I've never had a plant that had any so I wasn't sure what to do about them (leave them vs. let the grow a bit). Coincidentally, where did the term pup come from? Hens and chicks I understand, but pup? The "bonsai" look that I'm referring to is on the 3rd plant, 2nd picture. The stem has dropped its leaves and gotten a woody look to it. I didn't think that's what it was supposed to look like, though with Crenda's post I suppose they could. I do not know what species it is so I had no reference to go by. Pete: Thank you :) Crenda: Those pictures are helpful, thank you. Like I said, I don't know what species they are so I really wasn't sure. The 2nd plant is definitely etiolated, though now I wonder about the third. I don't know if it will end up looking like the pictures you referenced, but I certainly wouldn't mind. It is a very interesting look! :) The reason I'm asking about beheading is because I had thought these plants were too tall. I expected them to be low to the ground rosettes and since they are not quite doing that, I thought I might have to (if not now, sometime down the road) considering beheading and repotting :) I will definitely post a picture if/when that stalk blooms! I am very exited about it! Also, can anyone offer up any IDs for me? I do not know what any of these plants may be. I think The Big Guy is an elegans, or maybe a peacock tail, but I'm not really sure. I have no idea about the other 3.