How Do You Collect Seeds From African Violets?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

If the pod forms, it takes about two months for it to fully mature. After two months, remove the pod from the plant and

carefully crack it open to harvest the

.

Do African violet flowers have seeds?

While most are started from cuttings,

African violets can be grown from seed

. Starting an African violet from seed is a little more time consuming than starting cuttings, but you'll end up with many more plants. Keep reading to learn how to start African violets from seed.

Is it easy to grow African violets from seed?

If you are planning to grow African violets from seed, you'll be relieved to know that

they are also relatively easy to grow from seed

. While they do require a little more attention during the germination stage, starting African violets from seed is not a difficult or complicated task.

Can you take a cutting from an African violet?

Answer: African violets are

easily propagated by leaf cuttings

. Select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife. Leave 1 to 11⁄2 inches of the leaf stem (petiole) attached to the leaf blade.

How do you get seeds from violets?

If you want to be really meticulous about collecting violet seeds you can place

a jewelry bag, coffee filter, piece of muslin cloth or even a tea bag

, around the forming pods to capture the seeds when you see the pods start to stand straight up. Unlike other seeds I collect, I don't bring these seeds in to dry.

Can you root African violets in water?

The good news is that it's easy to root these flowering beauties. The quickest and easiest way I've found to root African violets is

in water using a leaf

. … Take a wide-mouthed jar or cup and fill with lukewarm water to almost the top. Secure a piece of plastic wrap on top, making sure that the plastic wrap is taut.

Is it hard to grow African violets?

Unlike most houseplants, the flowers are the stars of the show with African violets. Though these fuzzy blooming houseplants have a reputation for being finicky,

they're actually not difficult to grow once you know how

to follow some basic rules for their care.

What is the best way to grow African violets?

African violets are strictly indoor plants in North America, largely because their leaves need to stay dry. Grow plants in

bright, indirect light

for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location.

Do African violets have deep roots?

Contrary to what you might have heard,

African violets do not like to be root bound

. … Roots of African violets grow out from the center more than they grow down. If you plant your violet in a pot that is as deep as it is wide, the roots will fill the diameter but will not get down to the lower part of the potting soil.

When should I repot my African violet?

“As the plants grow, they can be repotted into larger pots so that they don't get too root-bound.”

Once your African violet has doubled or tripled the size of your pot and the leaves are starting to wilt

, it's probably time to make the move, says McEnaney.

Should you cut dead flowers off African violet?


You can cut it off

or, with some practice, “snap” it off with the flick of the wrist. African violets generally only will bloom once from the same axil so, unlike orchids, for example, there's no need to leave old bloom stems on the plant. … Don't fee squeamish about removing old or unsightly blooms (or leaves).

How long do African violet blooms last?

Individual blooms can last anywhere from

a few days to a few weeks

. Varieties producing thicker petals and those with green in the bloom tend to last longer. Blooms will last longer under moderate to high humidity with cooler temperatures (say 60-75f degrees).

How often do you water an African violet?

An important point to remember when bottom watering African Violet plants is to top water

at least once a month

. This way you are flushing out any extra fertilizer salt build up and refreshing the soil/roots from the top too.

Can you start a new African violet from a leaf?

How can I propagate an African violet? Answer: African violets

are easily propagated by leaf cuttings

. Select a firm, healthy leaf and cut it off with a sharp knife.

Can you use Epsom salt on African violets?

To get your African violets blooming again, apply an Epsom salt drench

every two weeks

. … Epsom salt is not salt as we know it in the kitchen sense, but magnesium sulfate, a form of magnesium and sulfur crystal that is easily dissolved in water and readily used by plants.

What is an African violet petiole?

The petiole is

the part of the leaf (the stalk) that attaches the leaf blade to the true stem

. When the African violet does not receive adequate light, these petioles elongate. The result is a small leaf at the end of a long petiole. In this situation the plant produces few blossoms, if it blooms at all.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.