Thanks, Ageis that helps a lot! I made a mistake the (pale yellow) isn't called MySensation it's called MySunshine. Actually I have MySensation and I love it!

Oh Marigold isn't she just beautiful?????? I would also love to have the Optimara MySunshine! Eventually,,,,,,,eventually!!!!!

Thanks Aegis! Oh guess what? I had a beautiful Opt. Modesty. Oh she was lovely. Yes,,,,I used the past tense. She started putting leaves out that were slowly turning severely variegated. Almost white by the time she died. Nothing I did made a difference. I really loved that combination of leaf and flower. (heavy sigh,,,little tear,,,,waaaaaaaaah!!!!!) sniff sniff Rosie

Yes Rosie! MySensation has seriously bloomed almost non stop for 6 months!! Strange though it developed a pink hue, maybe too much fertilizer? Although I give the recommended amount of fertilizer but nevertheless I still love it! Modesty has those variegated leaves that's another plus! Sorry that happened with your Modesty! I decided to go with Modesty along with California! :)

I just got a leaf of MySensation from Rosie. If it blooms like Rosie's did I'll dance and celebrate.

Ahhh, Leon you are such a sweetie! Good luck! And Marigold I am sure I will find another Modesty! I just love the variegation and flowers she has! Rosie

Marianne, I have never lived in Florida, but the first thing that came into my mind is this. It is really HOT in greenhouses and to get around that, they run fans (in your case run a small one) and they keep some of the violets that need it (like Modesty) under a black net to additionally cool them. Not all violets love bright light. Variagation wants coolness. Things do work different in a greenhouse, but violets will adapt. Since you grow in natural light as I do, my Modesty was very happy in my unobstructed NORTH window. The least light available. In my east window she wasn't happy. West window either. If necessary maybe try a little lamp near her if you move her back from a window.

Your violets are very pretty even without Modesty's flowers! I have Millennia on one of the pages of my wish list ! And did the NOID come from Optimara also? Rosie

Marianne ...

The typical advice for non-blooming is MORE light intensity. Perhaps you can add an fluorescent desk-lamp specifically for the Modestys. This would also avoid some of the heat from the windows.

OTOH, as Rosie has said, your plants look really good. I can't help but think there are some flower buds hiding under those variegated leaves ...

How large are the Modestys ? How long have you been growing them ?

Aegis, I agree about the light as a rule,,,,but rules sometimes need to be tweeked a bit. Maybe it works for my plant of Modesty because my north window is unobstructed, and being north it has a plethora of bright light but is also cooler. Go figure !

Marianne, do you fertilize regularly ? I am not regular about it. All my violets are on wicks. I would say their containers get food every couple waterings. But look carefully under your lovely foliage. You may just see some little buds looking back at cha ! Let us know ! Rosie

Rosie ... I never argue with AV experience, especially yours ... ;^)

Aegis, hope I didn't offend you by my statement, I just meant that just when a person thinks they figured out what to do with violets, they throw you a curve and set you right on your ear !!!!!! Rosie

I wasn't offended at all. I respect and appreciate your experience. I haven't grown Modesty long enough or successfully enough to offer any really helpful advice, other than the standard advice.

Most of what I know about growing AV's came through people like you sharing their own experiences.

Thank you for sharing yours.

I received "Modesty" it came in bloom but all the Optimaras I've received came blooming so I'll see how it performs down the road. But regardless the foliage is very pretty so I'm quite pleased with it! I'm wondering about putting a few AV's in ceramic pots which can be more pricey but I like the look, however I don't want to if it will significantly hinder the violets performance and well being. I'm thinking of placing another order before it gets too cold for them to ship. I have my eye on the "my series" where I'll receive 3 random bi color violets out of a selection of 6. MyLove, myPassion, myDream, myCharm, myDesire or myJoy. I'm getting inspired!

Thanks, Aegis, and believe it or not I am still learning from everyone here! How else would I know about the baggie method ! I still can't believe it works for me, but thank goodness it does or I would have no violets !

Marigold be careful about ceramic pots. If I were you I would keep the violet in its plastic "growing pot". Just buy a size larger "cover" or ceramic pot to make it look pretty. You can find lots of these at 2nd hand stores for not much money. And I find it helpful to put aquarium gravel (get it cheap from garage sales !) in the bottom of the pot so air can circulate all around the actual "growing pot". Done this way, it will not compromise a violet's performance ! It is a good way to show off plants when they are in pretty ceramic pots ! Rosie

That's a terrific idea Rosie, thanks I think I'll do that!

Glad I could help ! Rosie