It's all about the timing of disbudding, increasing lights and changing fertilizers... Don't ask me, I read a lot, but haven't actually tried it yet. Google 'growing to show' and you'll find some hints, even a pdf schedule somewhere - but apparently the book (growing to show by Pauline Bartholomew) is a much greater resource if you can get your hands on it. Here is a link that might be useful: Quick explanation on growing to show

Under the right conditions, many varieties of African violets will bloom year round. If your violet hasn't bloomed in a while, it may not be getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter window or growing it under florescent lights. Your violet may also need some fertilizer to bloom. Fertilize each time you water, using one-quarter of the strength recommended on the package. If you violet has been in the same pot or soil for a while, repotting may give it the boost it needs to flower. If it looks like there is more than one African violet in the pot, it probably has suckers (baby plants growing off the mother). Removing the suckers will help the mother plant bloom. African violets bloom best when they are rootbound. The pot should be one third the diameter of the plant. For example, if your plant measures 12 inches across, it should be in a 4-inch pot. Join us on the African Violets forum.

Opt. Pennsylvania has been my favorite red for a long time. Just such a beautiful color of red !!!!! Rosie

Hi Violets N Bunnies! From what I understand, heavily variegated African violets do not bloom as often as the non-variegated varieties because they produce less chlorophyll. The white parts of the leaves cannot photosynthesize, so only the green parts of the leaves can photosynthesize and produce energy for the plant to grow and bloom. Your plants still look young, so I would give them time. I think I read somewhere that AVs are more variegated in cooler weather, so maybe in the summertime they'll produce less variegated leaves and have more energy to bloom. I think your plants are stunning even without the blooms! I love the pink variegation on Dean's Faded Rose. I hope this helps! damask_rose_5 : )