FANCY AFRICAN VIOLET Saintpaulia
Saintpaulias, commonly known as African violets, are a genus of 6–20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants, native to Africa. Typically, the African violet is a widely cultivated household indoor plant, but can also be an outdoor plant.
Saintpaulias, which grow from 6–15 cm tall, can be anywhere from 6–30 cm wide. The leaves are rounded to oval, 2.5–8.5 cm, finely hairy, and have a fleshy texture. The flowers are 2–3 cm in diameter and grow in clusters of 3–10 or more on slender stalks called peduncles.
The African violet is a day-neutral plant regarding flower development.
The plants get their common name "African violet" from their superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola).
The genus (saintpaulias) is named after Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (1860–1910), the district commissioner of Tanga province who discovered the plant in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in Africa in 1892.
The genus is most closely related to Streptocarpus.
Note: African violet seeds are extremely small. Do not bury them for germination. See germination information below.
Safe: Considered safe, non-toxic to children and people!
Seeds per pack: 10
Germination: Obtain a sterile seed-start mix with nutrients, such as Miracle Grow seeds starter mix. Lightly pre-moisten the mix with non-treated (non-municipal) water such as rain water or bottled water. Flatten the surface. Lightly mist the surface with water to help tamp down the surface of the soil, though be careful not to make it too saturated/wet. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil, and cover the container with clear plastic, or place the container in a plastic bag. Place the container at 73-77F, 23-25C in very bright light, but not in direct sunlight. Light is required for germination. If you are using florescent lights, place the container about 10" from the lights. Seedlings will appear gradually over 21-40 days, some will continue to germinate slightly longer. Note, once growing, seedlings for variegated plants will take a couple of weeks to show their full variegation, which enhances with maturity.
