African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are consumer favorites and have been enjoyed as flowering houseplants since their introduction into the United States in 1894. They readily adapt to interior conditions and are commonly seen as specimen plants, in dish gardens, and in terrarium plantings. This article is intended to provide guidelines for the commercial production of African violets including propagation, cultural requirements, and common physiological problems.
African violets were discovered in 1892 in eastern Africa by Baron Walter von Saint Paul, and the genus was named Saintpaulia in his honor. Two species, S. ionantha and S. confusa, are parents of most of the hybrids lines available today. Cultivars are available in many floral colors including reds, blues, purples, lavenders, pinks, whites, and bicolors (Fig. 1). Plant sizes of Saintpaulia varieties include standard, miniatures, and trailing types; all of which exhibit a wide range of leaf shape, pattern and variegation.
Thousands of varieties exist throughout the world. Cultivars for commercial production are selected for consistent growth, uniform flowering, trueness to type, and better interior performance. Most growers offer a wide assortment of flower colors for flexible consumer options. The primary market holidays for African violets are Mothers Day, Easter and Valentines Day.
Very few Saintpaulia cultivars come true from seed. The major means of propagation are by leaf cuttings and tissue culture. Seeds are extremely small: approximately one million seeds per ounce. Sow Saintpaulia seeds thinly onto the surface of very fine, screened, pre-watered, level, peat substrate. Irrigate with a fine mist so that seeds will settle into the medium. Further covering is not necessary. Maintain high humidity with mist or fogging. Avoid direct watering. At 70°F media temperature, germination should take approximately 25 days.
Many cultivars with suitable growth characteristics for commercial production are patented. Asexual propagation of these varieties is prohibited unless a propagator license and agreement is obtained from the patent holder. Therefore, the decision to propagate on site or to purchase liners from a commercial supplier should be made carefully.
Growers who wish to propagate using leaf cuttings should cut from healthy stock plants. The petiole should be trimmed, dipped into rooting hormone, and inserted into the propagation medium. The cutting instruments should be sanitized between cuts to prevent the spread of pathogens. Many different propagation media can be used including peat, peat and sand mixes, vermiculite, peat and vermiculite mixes, or commercially bagged growing mixes. High relative humidity should be provided, usually by use of a mist or fog system to maintain the leaf cuttings until rooting occurs. Cuttings should be spaced so that leaves do not touch each other and the media should not be water saturated during propagation since this favors development of pathogens, such as bacterial and fungal rots.
Leaf cuttings root in about two to three weeks at 70°F. Plantlets emerge from the base of the petiole approximately six to eight weeks following root development. Many growers remove the “mother leaf” at this time to avoid shading the newly emerged plantlets. Plantlets can be fertilized with a dilute liquid fertilizer at this time. The total propagation time to obtain transplantable material (three to five leaves per crown) from leaf cuttings is approximately 14 to 16 weeks.
Micropropagation is largely used to rapidly increase new cultivars or to propagate chimeras that are not capable of being maintained through leaf cuttings. Licensed commercial tissue culture laboratories supply liners in cell plug trays. They are graded into small, medium or large sizes in 188, 98 or 72 cells per tray. Tissue-cultured liners are easily removed from the cells and potted directly into the finish pots.
Saintpaulia is commonly potted and finished in 4-, 4.5- and 5-inch pot sizes. During potting, care should be taken not to plant crowns or tissue-cultured liners too deeply. Roots of Saintpaulia are very fine and require a light-weight, well-aerated, well-drained substrate. The substrate should be composed primarily of peat amended with pine bark, vermiculite or perlite to provide sufficient water-holding capacity since drying out will suppress growth and flowering. The pH of the substrate should be adjusted to a range of 5.8-6.5.
African violets have relatively low requirements for nutrients. Newly potted plants should not receive fertilizers until root growth is well established. Plants then should be fertigated using a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as N-P2O5-K2O at a ratio of 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 with nitrogen at 100-125 ppm or 1,000 lbs N per acre annually. Micronutrients may be included in the substrate or can be included in the fertilizer program. Monitor substrate electrical conductivity (EC) at least monthly to be sure plants are not over-fertilized. Recommended EC readings are about 1.0 dS/m with a maximum of 1.7 dS/m during the active crop growth. Table 1 provides a guide for determining appropriate fertilization for African violets based on leaf analysis.
Subirrigation methods, such as capillary mats and ebb-and-flow, or drip irrigation are generally used for Saintpaulia production. If overhead irrigation is used, apply early in the morning so that foliage can dry during the day. Foliage should not be wet overnight or spotting can result. Water temperature is critical. If irrigation water is too cold or too hot, foliar damage will occur. This is most common in Florida during the winter when irrigation water is colder. Light green or yellow spots (chlorosis) can appear on the upper surfaces of the leaves. Deep well water is usually near 70°F and rarely causes problems, except when it is stored in hoses or irrigation lines or outdoors in fertilization tanks.
Saintpaulia grows well at 50% to 70% relative humidity. Low humidity in Florida in the spring and fall can cause flower petal burn. Humidity may be raised by wetting walkways and underneath benches with a hose.
Light intensity is a very important factor in production of quality Saintpaulia. Light recommendations vary by cultivar and season, but a range of 800 to 1,200 foot candles is satisfactory. During the winter, growers may adjust shade fabrics or greenhouse coating paints to allow higher light intensities since temperatures are cooler and the hours of natural light are short. In the summer, growers add shade fabrics and glass coatings to lower light intensities and to help control heat. Light intensity influences the foliar appearance of Saintpaulia. Cultivars that produce dark green leaves with long petioles may require higher light levels, while varieties with light green foliage may require lower levels.
Plants that receive too much light will be generally stunted, producing brittle leaves, shortened petioles and bleached foliage. Excess light, even for a short duration, can actually burn both flowers and leaves. Shading can be applied to the greenhouse especially from March through October in Florida to reduce light intensity. This should be removed in October. Care must also be taken to control excess light intensity during the packing and shipping process.
An average day temperature of 77°F provides the highest rate of vegetative growth. When the day temperature exceeds 85°F, plant growth and flowering are stunted. Cooling systems are necessary for Saintpaulia production in Florida. Night temperature for Saintpaulia should be warm (68-70°F) for rapid vegetative growth. Plant growth slows at night temperatures of 65°F, and almost stops at or below 60°F. Bench surface heating or under-bench heating pipes are effective for increasing the growth of African violets. Temperature is the main factor used by growers to speed up or slow down flower development as the crop approaches finish. In summer, excessive production temperatures may cause flowers to abort or open improperly.
The most important factor to ensure a disease-free crop is sanitation. Isolation of incoming material and maintaining greenhouse cleanliness are major control factors for preventing insect and disease problems. All pots, flats, benches, media, tools and any other articles coming in contact with Saintpaulia should be clean. It is easier to prevent diseases than to cure them.
African violets are one of the most popular houseplants, known for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. While African violets are commonly propagated from leaf cuttings, it is also possible to grow them from seeds. This allows you to produce large numbers of plants from just a few parent plants.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about African violet seeds including how to harvest them, store them, and sow them to start new plants.
Harvesting Seeds from African Violet Plants
To harvest African violet seeds, you first need to pollinate the flowers. The easiest way is to hand pollinate using the following steps:
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Wait for a flower to open fully, after 2-3 days This will be the female flower
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Allow another flower to open fully This will be the male flower
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Use a paintbrush to remove pollen from the male flower.
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Gently brush the pollen onto the pistil of the female flower to pollinate it.
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A seed pod will form in 4-6 weeks if pollinated successfully. Allow it to mature for 2-3 months until dry and brown.
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Harvest the seed pod, crack it open gently and collect the small black seeds inside.
Each pollinated flower will produce 100-300 tiny seeds. To increase your seed yield, pollinate multiple flowers.
Storing African Violet Seeds
Freshly harvested African violet seeds will remain viable for 1-2 months when properly stored. To store them:
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Place seeds in a paper envelope or small breathable bag. Avoid plastic which can lead to moisture buildup.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. A refrigerator is ideal with temperatures around 40°F.
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Check seeds occasionally and discard any that appear moldy. Replenish with freshly harvested seeds each year.
With proper storage, African violet seeds can remain viable for up to 2 years. Older seeds tend to have lower germination rates.
Sowing African Violet Seeds
African violet seeds require warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright filtered light to germinate. Follow these steps for the best results:
Media
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Use a sterile, soilless seed starting mix containing peat moss and perlite. This prevents damping off disease.
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Lightly moisten the mix before sowing. It should be damp but not soggy.
Planting
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Sprinkle seeds lightly over the soil surface. Do not cover them as they require light to germinate.
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Place 2-3 seeds per cell if using seed trays. Thin later to the strongest seedling.
Environment
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Cover trays with plastic domes or plastic wrap to retain humidity.
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Place in bright, indirect light. Direct hot sun will kill seedlings.
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Maintain temperatures of 70-75°F for optimal germination.
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Keep soil moist but not saturated. Mist lightly when surface dries out.
Germination
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Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days when conditions are ideal.
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Remove covers once seedlings emerge to prevent damping off disease.
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Transplant seedlings when they reach 2-3 true leaves.
Following proper sowing techniques will result in a 70-80% germination rate for most African violet seeds. With good care, seedlings will reach flowering size in 8-10 months. Growing African violets from seeds takes patience but is rewarding.
Tips for Growing Healthy African Violet Seedlings
Here are some useful tips to help your African violet seedlings grow into strong, healthy plants:
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Transplant seedlings into a peat-based potting mix amended with perlite for drainage.
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Water sparingly, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
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Provide bright, indirect light from a south or west window. Supplement with grow lights.
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Maintain humidity around 50-60% to prevent leaf scorching. Group plants or use a pebble tray.
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Keep temperatures between 65-75°F. Cooler night temperatures promote flowering.
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Repot annually in spring, moving up just 1 pot size to prevent root binding.
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Pinch back leggy growth to encourage full, compact plants. Remove spent flowers.
Following proper germination, care, and cultivation will result in robust, floriferous African violet plants grown successfully from seed.
Common Problems When Growing African Violets from Seed
Growing African violets from seeds does come with some potential challenges. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
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Failure to germinate – This is usually caused by old seeds, improper temperatures, or lack of moisture. Start over with fresh seeds.
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Damping off disease – Fungal disease causes seedlings to rot. Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.
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Leggy or stretched seedlings – Insufficient light causes weak, leggy growth. Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily.
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Slow growth – This indicates low light, low temperatures, or inadequate nutrition. Optimize all three.
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Leaf scorch – Dry, crispy leaf edges happen when humidity is too low. Increase humidity to 60% or above.
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Failure to flower – Lack of bright light is the most common cause. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
With the proper setup and care regimen, you can successfully grow vigorous African violets from seeds. Pay close attention to their requirements, and you will be rewarded with abundant blooms.
African violet seeds provide an alternative propagation method to reproduce your favorite plants quickly and economically. By understanding their ideal storage conditions, germination requirements, and proper ongoing care, you can overcome the challenges and grow African violets successfully from seed. The end result will be lovely, floriferous plants to enjoy that originated from just a few tiny seeds.
Finishing, Shipping, and Interiorscaping
Plants are usually grown pot-to-pot for vegetative size during the first 5 to 6 weeks. Optimum light, temperature, and fertilization are important at this stage for uniformity. When flower buds appear, plants are given spacing at about four pots per square foot. Saintpaulia is usually shipped when 5 blooms are open. The total production time from leaf cutting to a finished 4-inch pot is 32 to 36 weeks depending on the time of year.
Finished plants should be groomed and packed by inserting individual plants into sleeves and placing sleeved plants in appropriate boxes for shipping. The sleeve is necessary because the leaves of this plant are fragile. African violets should be transported in refrigerated carriers at a temperature of 60 to 65°F for long-distance shipping. Chilling injury may occur if shipping temperature drops below 50°F for more than 12 hours.
Once they arrive at their final destination after shipping, plants should be placed in interior light levels of 150 foot candles or higher. African violets are often placed on office desks or table tops. Although cultivars vary in blooming in building interior, bloom production will gradually decrease over a three-month period. Occasional grooming of the plant is needed to remove senesced leaves and inflorescences. Plants should not be fertilized unless soluble salt readings are below 0.8 dS/m. Media should be kept slightly moist in interior conditions. Temperatures of 68 to 75°F are most appropriate.
Common physiological problems in African violet production are listed in Table 2. Suggested treatments may help reduce the occurrence of the problems.
Nutrient concentrations in mature leaves considered low, medium, and high for African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) production.
|
Nutrient |
Low |
Medium |
High |
|
Nitrogen (%) |
<2.5 |
2.5-4.0 |
>4.0 |
|
Phosphorus (%) |
<0.2 |
0.2-1.0 |
>1.0 |
|
Potassium (%) |
<2.5 |
3.0-6.0 |
>6.0 |
|
Calcium (%) |
<1.0 |
1.0-1.5 |
>1.5 |
|
Magnesium (%) |
<0.5 |
0.5-1.0 |
>1.0 |
|
Sulfur (%) |
<0.3 |
0.3-0.8 |
>0.8 |
|
Iron (ppm) |
<70 |
70-300 |
>300 |
|
Manganese (ppm) |
<35 |
30-300 |
>300 |
|
Zinc (ppm) |
<25 |
25-80 |
>80 |
|
Copper (ppm) |
<5 |
5-30 |
>30 |
|
Boron (ppm) |
<30 |
30-200 |
>200 |
Causes and effects of various physiological problems during African violet production.
|
Symptom |
Probable Cause |
Treatment |
|
Chlorosis: Leaves are light green or medium green with chlorotic edges. |
Nutrient deficiency or high light intensity. |
Increase fertilizer level or decrease light intensity if blooming is satisfactory. Also, check to see whether micronutrients were included in the potting medium or are included in the fertilizer program. Sometimes different cultivars grown side by side will have one with superb quality and another with off color because of different nutritional or light requirements. |
|
Leaf spotting: Circular, light yellow or greenspots appear on the upper surfaces of leaves. |
Water colder than the leaf surface causes spotting and is most common in placeStateFlorida during winter. |
Deep well water is usually near 70°F and rarely causes problems, except when it is stored outdoors in tanks. Be sure temperatures of overhead water applications are near leaf surface temperatures. |
|
Long petioles: Leaves appear on extended petioles, giving the plant an undesirable shape. |
Low light and high fertilizer rate usually causes the problem. |
Increase the light level and/or lower the fertilizer level. Consider cultivars that do not have the tendency to produce stretched petioles. |
|
No flowers or scanty flowers. |
Low light. |
Plants produced under low light may not bloom profusely, and therefore at least 1,000 foot candles are required. Excessive light will cause plant yellowing, dwarfed plants and reduced flowering. In summer, excessive production temperatures may cause flowers to abort or open improperly. The only control for this problem is to reduce greenhouse temperatures or select different cultivars. |
|
Multiple crown plants. |
Young plantlets are potted too deeply into the substrate. |
Single-stem plants are generally preferred in the market place to multiple-crown plants in North America. Multiple-crown plants trend to develop when young plantlets are potted too deeply into substrate, which results in the development of adventitious shoots. |
Publication # ENH 1096
Release Date:July 5, 2018
Reviewed At:December 10, 2021
- DOI: 10.32473/edis-ep360-2009
- Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
This document is ENH 1096, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2009. Revised March 2015. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.
J. Chen and R.J. Henny, professors, Department of Environmental Horticulture; UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL 32703.
Sowing African violet seeds
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