African violets, which are also known as Saintpaulia, are a type of flowering plant that is native to Tanzania and Kenya. They typically grow in grasslands and forests. African violets can be grown from seeds, but they are more commonly propagated by rooting leaf cuttings.
No, African violets do not grow from seeds.
Is it hard to grow African violet from seed?
Starting African violets from seed is a great way to get a lot of plants at once. It is a little more time consuming than starting from cuttings, but you’ll end up with many more plants. To start, you’ll need to purchase African violet seeds from a reputable source. Once you have your seeds, you’ll need to sow them in a sterile, well-draining potting mix. Water the mix well, then sow your seeds on the surface. Cover the pot with a clear lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for the seeds to germinate. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in about two weeks you should see the first seedlings emerge. Once they’ve germinated, you can remove the lid and continue to grow them under bright, indirect light. When they’re big enough, you can transplant them into their own pots.
To collect seeds from violets, observe the plants for the appearance of the seedpods. Within a week or two of the last flowers appearing, check the plants regularly for the seedpods. The pods will point downward until the seeds begin to ripen, at which point they will turn tan and papery, and reorient, pointing upwards.
Where are the seeds on an African violet
This is the glassine envelope that contains the seeds. You can see in the bottom corner here that there are more seeds in the envelope than when I started. I’ve been careful to keep the seeds moist and in a warm place, and I’ve been doing a little research on the best way to sow them. I think I’m going to try a mix of sand and vermiculite, and I’ll sow them in pots in my greenhouse. I’ll keep you updated on how they progress!
African violets are a type of plant that can be grown from seed, but only a few varieties will come true. A flowering plant can be produced from a leaf cutting or a seed in about 10 months under good growing conditions.
What is the secret to growing African violets?
If you want your plants to have the best color and blooms, grow them in bright, indirect light. An ideal location for a plant stand is three feet away from a west- or south-facing window. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
It’s easy to root African violets from a leaf in water. Just take a leaf from your existing plant or from a friend’s plant, and place it in a jar or glass of water. The quickest and easiest way I’ve found to root African violets is in water using a leaf. You can take the leaf from your existing African violets, or even from a friend’s plant.
How long does it take for African violets to bloom from seed?
African violets are one of the most popular houseplants grown indoors. They are known for their beautiful flowers that come in a wide range of colors. African violets are native to Tanzania and Kenya.
African violets can be grown from seeds, but it generally takes 6-9 months before the first blooms appear. The time frame depends on the growing conditions. African violets that are provided with proper amounts of watering, light, and temperature tend to develop sooner.
If you want to collect violet seeds, place small mesh bags over the developing seed pods. Once the seeds are mature, sow them into pots filled with seed raising mix. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Do violets spread by seed
Violets are able to spread in a number of ways, including by underground rhizomes and through the formation of vegetative colonies. They can also spread by seed, with flowers near the soil surface that never really open self-pollinating and shooting seeds out to establish a new colony away from the parent.
African violets and rex begonias are both easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Simply use a whole leaf or even just a part of a leaf to get started. Keep in mind that detached begonia and African violet leaves will wilt quickly, so it’s best to have your pot of soil ready before taking the cutting.
Do African violets only bloom once a year?
African violets make great houseplants because they bloom continuously and are easy to care for. Place them throughout the house to enjoy their colors and velvety texture year-round.
African violets are a type of plant that can bloom nearly year-round. If you are able to provide the correct conditions, expect your African violets to bloom 10-12 months each year. Each bloom lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
What can I do with African violet seed pods
It is important to leave the seed pod on the violet until it has turned brown and is completely dry. This will usually take 3-5 months from the date of cross pollination. The stem that supports the seed pod should also be left intact until it is dry. Once both the pod and stem are dry, the pod can be removed from the plant.
If you’re trying to save a flower, it’s best to snip off just the part of the stem that’s wilted. This will allow the rest of the flower to continue getting water and nutrients and hopefully revive itself.
How long do African violets live?
Assuming you have an African violet that was purchased from a nursery or store, it is most likely already potted in soil that is high in quality and has adequate drainage. Your African violet will likely not need to be repotted for its first year or two.
Around year three, you will want to start paying attention to the condition of your plant’s potting mix. If the mix is starting to break down and no longer looks as fresh as it did when you first got your plant, it is probably time to repot.
Another indicator that it might be time to repot is if you see lots of roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If the roots are starting to circle the pot, that is also a sign that the plant has outgrown its current home and it is time for a bigger pot.
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, two elements that help encourage healthy growth in African violets. Try sprinkling a thin layer of used coffee grounds on top of your violet’s potting soil every month or so to give it a little extra boost.
Final Words
Yes, They Can! You Can Grow African Violets from Seed
It is possible to grow African violets from seeds, but it is not the recommended method. African violets typically grow best when they are propagated from leaf cuttings.
