Hey I just took the time to look at the exchange forum and I found your posting. Now I'm fairly new to violets myself but back in July I purchased some leaf cuttings to grow. I do have one mini to is actively growing 2 babies. I know there not seeds but I do have this mini that has 2 babies growing side by side. If your interested I'd be more than happy to help out. I fully appreciate a sperated family and can respect tight budgets and all that. If your interested email me and let me know. My personal email is dlsorchids@yahoo.com I can send you a pic of what to expect with the flower color and also send a pic of the plant you would receive. Have a good night. Oh and just put in the header of the email "violets" so I don't mistakenly delete it thinking its junk mail. Dan

Hi Judy, From Lyndon Lyon's, or LLG, I get consistently large plants, often in bloom, in 2 1/2 in square pots in a good potting mix that does not have to be changed for at least six months. They come with plastic stakes that have the plant name printed on them so I can move them when I repot. The plants grow rapidly and do not sucker. The company has excellent customer service and ships promptly. For me, it is worth it to pay slightly more to get consistently larger, premium quality plants. For all the trouble of ordering live plant material across country, I want to get the best I can for my money. They have good quality control and accurately label the plants. They are my first choice. I only go elsewhere if there is something I want that they don't carry. They also keep their web catalogue updated, so if they are out of stock, they won't list the item. So, no surprises and no substitutions. They usually have enough of a particular type to choose from. For example, they will offer five different reds or five different whites or more. Their own hybrids are exceptional, vigorous and strong. I primarily raise Lyon 's own hybrids. They also have a wide selection of many other hybridizers. They are a large enough company to be able to introduce new hybridizers. They first opened up the Russian market and offer a wide range. They seem to pick the best choices of other hybridizers, so if they offer a plant , I feel it has been preselected for good performance. If something is new in the plant world, chances are they developed it. They are consistent in what they offer, it is usually possible to find the same plant year after year, plus new ones. I like to be a loyal customer and give them my business. They have been at this for sixty years, I appreciate they are still in this business. I feel they are excellent, so why not do business with them? When I place an order with them, I already know what to expect, so I can safely order a dozen. But they will accept an order of any size. When I want to try out a new grower, I place a small order. Usually, about four. Joanne This post was edited by fortyseven on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:56

Angela - i grew different gesneriads from seeds - and their seeds are so miniscule, you wouldn't see roots. The best approach is to have your seeds sprinkled on a surface of the soil in a transparent covered container in a warm spot with good light and get some patience. Timing can be from 1 week to 6 months until you see green growth. Since your seeds are fresh - should be in a month. Good Luck irina

Maubles: Lowe's carries vermiculite but they were out and not sure when they'll have more in. Home Depot isn't carrying it this year but has perlite. Agreed on the employees not really knowing which end is up most times. LOL We usually don't even bother to call most times anymore. I'd never heard of Yeager's but asked hubby and he said it's Ace Hardware? I'll have to check with them. Thanks! We didn't make it to M&M but I've made hubby promise that we'll stop by there next time we're that way! Serendipity is on the highway between Poteau and Wister, just as busy1 said. There's a sign by the road, turn west there. Just follow the sign and it's easy to find, just a mile or two off of the highway. She had a few tomato and pepper plants but it was mostly ornamental and houseplants. Definitely worth a look if you over this way. Dawn: Thanks! I just need the rain to stop for a bit so I can get down to the future potato patch without slipping and sliding in the goop. LOL Busy1: I didn't know there was a farmers' market around here. Cool! I'm a cranky antisocial hermit homebody so try not to get out and about too much and end up not knowing about things like that. You'll have to keep me posted on when both the store and market open so I can plan a trip into civilized society! What kind of store? Diane