GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS:

with tender, loving care

Various colors as well as characteristics of petals differentiate African violets. Shown here is an example of a potted lavender variety with slightly ruffled edges on its blooms.

African violets can be found in various shades of purple, blue, pink and white and in variegated blooms as well as leaves. They can have single petals, double petals, those with frilly petals and those with ruffled edges.

My mother could grow anything: gardenias, orchids and her most favorite, the African violet.

Our home was filled with fragrant, blooming, beautiful plants.

Like childhood care

As a child growing up, I watched my mother water them carefully, move them around, talk to them and spend as much time tending to them with tender loving care as she did taking care of six of us. Once I was on my own, she brought me one of her African violets and politely told me to "not kill it."

Interest rekindled

I have tried over the years to grow African violets. I am not saying all my violets have bloomed and flourished, as in many instances they withered up and eventually died. I blamed their demise on the plant and not the keeper of the plant. Until recently, I lost interest in growing them but since joining the Master Gardener program in Victoria and seeing recently the display at the Victoria Library, my interest has been rekindled.

Steps to success

Below are some pointers you may find useful in order to grow beautiful, blooming African violets. These pointers come from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as well as the African Violet Society.

• Light

A key ingredient to growing successful African violets is good light. The best light in the summer is the north or east window, and the best light in the winter is the south or west window. If violets get too much sun the leaves will turn yellow, which will cause the edges to burn. Too little light will produce dark green leaves, but the plant will not blossom.

A good rule of thumb is to turn the plant ¼ around every week, which will allow the leaves to get an equal share of light.

Although they look so pretty bunched together African violets need to have adequate space around them so air can circulate. They, like we, need their personal space.

• Watering

Water when the soil is slightly dry to the touch using room temperature water. There are several ways to water. One approach is to use a wick extending through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot down into a saucer of water.

The African Violet Society recommends watering over the top of the soil making sure to drain any water sitting in the saucer.

A third way is to water from the bottom so the leaves won't get wet (drops of water on the leaves will cause spots), again making sure the plant doesn't sit in the water.

Bottom line: Don't let the plant stand in water and don't overwater. African violets don't like their feet wet.

• Temperature and humidity

Temperature should be 72-75 degrees during the day and in the low 60s at night. Too cool and the plants become stunted and too warm and they may rot. Humidity should be between 40 to 60 percent.

• Fertilizer

To help your violets reach their potential, fertilize once a month in the spring, summer and fall. Mix a soluble liquid African violet fertilizer product with water following the label directions.

Repotting

When you notice the leafless part of the bottom of the stem is 1 to 11/2 inches long, it's time to repot. Check your plant often, as you don't want a stem longer than 11/2 inches. Use soil specifically for African violets. These soils have the necessary nutrients and moisture for the plant to grow and bloom.

Tending to your plant

African Violet Magazine says that tending to your plants is an important part of growing beautiful, blooming plants.

My mother knew how to water and feed her plants, and she knew which windows were the best place for them, but she also knew that a key factor was in tending to them a couple of times a month.

At first sight, Mom would take off any dead flowers and small and yellow leaves, which are on the lowest part of the plant and take away from its strength and beauty.

Over the years, my sisters and I have tried to meet the high expectations that Mom had for us in growing African violets. Every time my parents visited, in addition to cleaning and planning the menu, I would make sure my plants were in tip-top shape because I knew she would examine them. In most cases, I am happy to report, they passed with flying colors.

The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.