I haven’t really used this blog much: here’s a quick update on growing out some Saintpaulia seed. I purchased the seeds from Passioflora and Nadeau’s African Violets (no connection to me, of course!) I did get a few seeds from yellow varieties from the former. I’m most excited for whatever comes up with RS-Zhar Ptitsa.

African violet seeds are definitely on the finer side, which makes sowing somewhat fraught. I more or less followed the protocol outlined by Nadeau’s. To a translucent deli container was added about an inch’s depth of peat-based potting soil, packed down firmly with a fist. The potting soil was then moistened with approx 4 tbsp of water. Nadeau says that adequately hydrated peat should have visible condensation 24 h. after closing the container: which I got! The seeds were then transferred onto an index card, folded lengthwise to a shallow ‘V’, and then dispersed from the card to the surface of the peat by gently tapping the paper. This was all done above a sheet of printer paper to catch wayward seeds. Right now, they are sitting under the LED lights I use for most of my Saintpaulia. Apparently they need warmth and light to sprout. Nadeau recommends 75 to 80 F: I don’t have A/C so ambient temperature at this time of year should be perfect 🙂

One thing I will have to remember to do is to use supplemental fertilization for the emerging seedlings. I don’t know how much is really in the potting mix, and the tiny seeds with meager cotyledons don’t have enough nutrition to really fuel the nascent plants. I will use the same spray I use for my orchids.

In two to three weeks we should see results, and 6 to 7 months, the first blooms. Will keep you guys updated…