African Violets
COMMON NAMES: AFRICAN VIOLET
FAMILY: Gesneriaceae
TYPE: Perennial
LOCATION: Shade to part shade
PLANTING: Can be grown from seed but it's best to set out transplants or divisions in the spring.
HEIGHT: ~ 6 inches.
SPREAD: 8 to 12 inches.
FINAL SPACING: 12 inches
GROWTH HABITS/CULTURE: A very easy to grow plant for the naturalized garden in certain climates. Grows best indoors or in well prepared soils with plenty of organic matter and plenty of moisture. From Wikipedia:
Plants can be classified as one of several sizes based on its above-ground diameter. Although the size per category is not set in stone, these are a general guideline.
NOT CONSIDERED EDIBLE: From the San Francisco Chronicle: "Though African violets are not known to be toxic, it is generally never a good idea to let a child [or pet] chow down on any houseplant, as individuals may have varying sensitivities to the plant’s sap or hairy leaves . . . Many fuzz-covered plants are skin irritants, but African violet isn’t reported to cause rashes or other harm."
Here is a listener's tip on growing African violets:
I have several African violets.
- They are not potted in special pots or potting soil.
- They do not get fertilized.
- I water them when they are dry—and even spray the leaves, too.
- They don't get bugs or fungus.
My violets bloom almost continually year round.
Mary Wright
HG: Probably a little compost tea occasionally would make them do even better.
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