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Growing from Seed

Starting African Violet Seeds

17 years ago

I must admit that I am a novice when it comes to African Violets (seed starting, that is). I have many plants and I am curious if anyone here has tried to start African Violets from the seeds in the flowers.

If you have, please enlighten me. First, where do you find the little dickens? I see people selling these seeds on eBay but I have several of my own plants that I would love to try to reproduce. I know you can start the plants from a leaf cutting but I'm curious to see if they will grow for me from seed.

Some other questions I have -- how long do the seeds take to germinate? Do you have to give the seeds a drying time or a cool time like in the refrigerator?

I would love to get some of your thoughts. Thanks for any and all information about starting violets from seed.

Happy Holidays to All,

Dar S.

Comments (3)

geoforce
17 years ago
Fairly easy. Sow on top of a fine, moist but not wet, peat based mix and do not cover seeds. Germination begins in 2 weeks or so. The germinated seeds are really tiny, so be very careful of them and bottom water to prevent rot. Transplant to individual 1.5 or 2 inch pots when the rosette of leaves is about the size of a nickel.

George
lovescritters
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, George. Do you find the seeds in the eye of the flower? They must be very tiny because I can't see them there. Do they require a drying time before planting?

Happy Holidays,
Dar S.
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geoforce
17 years ago
They form a seed pod about the size of a pea. Let them mature on the stalk, and you can plant them as soon as the pod dries. The seed are very tiny, and can hardly be separated from the chaff in the pod so don't even try. Crush the pod and sift its contents lightly on the mix.

Try this site, Jeff is one of the best authorities on AV genetics and hybridization.

George

Here is a link that might be useful: AV info

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