African violets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2009

By Helen Sierra, Ogle County Master Gardener

African violets can brighten late Fall and Winter days. These cute, fuzzy leafed houseplants come in a riot of color and despite their fragile appearance, are relatively easy to grow.

Flower colors come in every shade of the rainbow, says Sandra Mason, a University of Illinois Extension educator. Flowers also can be bicolor, multicolor, have single or double petals or have fringed edges. "Sizes range from the large to the 'oh-so-cute' miniatures," Mason says on the U. of I. website.

Even though African violets are easily acquired, often marketed in cold weather in grocery, discount or big box stores, it takes a bit of attention to keep them blooming.

Some cultivars do take a break between flowerings However, even hard-to-bloom varieties that demand excellent light should flower several times a year.

What's the secret ingredient? "Light," says U. of I. educator David J. Robson. "African violets grow under trees in their native habitat. They get shaded most of the day, though warmth and long days along the equator give them more light outdoors than we receive inside. Most gardeners don't realize that the north side of the house during the summer may get more light than a south window inside during the winter."

"America's Garden Book," however, recommends growing them in a window with eastern exposure and protected from the mid-day sun. The "Garden Book" is edited by Howard S. Irwin of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

I've grown African violets in a south window for years. My violets bloom, but only in winter, when no tree leaves block the sun. Perhaps I should follow Robson's suggestion to provide "as much light as possible if you want to keep them blooming." On the plus side, the trees prevent the strong summer sun from scorching the leaves.

Robson suggests moving plants closer to the windows. Though they dislike cold winds, African violets should flourish if windows are double-paned and fit tightly. The violets are happiest when temperatures are about 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

An alternative is to grow African violets under fluorescent lights suspended 12 to 15 inches above the plants, Mason suggests. "Leave the light on no more than 16 hours a day. The light source must include wavelengths in the red as well as the blue range. A combination of cool white and warm white bulbs works well as do grow lights."

Dry soil is another reason the plants don't bloom. Keep soil evenly moist, using water at room temperatures. If possible, don't use softened water. Another

tip: Water from the bottom. This technique keeps water off the leaves, which can cause yellow leaves.

African violets require humidity of at least 30%. "Garden Book" suggests using "a water-filled pebble tray beneath the plants … especially when low outdoor temperatures result in low indoor humidity."

Eventually, African violets develop a "neck," formed as the plant grows taller and the bottom leaves fall off. "If there is a neck, cut off an equal portion of soil (and presumably the stem) from the bottom of the root ball. Replant into the same size pot or one that's one inch larger so that the bottom row of leaves is now right above the pot rim," says Mason.

Fertilize regularly. Any complete water-soluble fertilizer works, though Mason suggests avoiding those with urea, which can harm the roots. Many growers fertilize with each watering.

For additional information, contact your local Extension Service office, or check the U. of I. website, http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu. The Ogle County office is at 421 W. Pines Rd., Suite 10, Oregon, 815/732-2191.

Another source is the African Violet Society of America, www.avsa.org.

Gardening news: The Ogle County Master Gardeners will be at the 18th annual Holiday Gift Sale at Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Rd., Byron IL, 815/234-8535, on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Master Gardeners are offering an attractive array of garden goods as a fund-raiser. Illinois recently reduced funding for Master Gardener programs.

Items for sale will include hand-decorated candles, large scented pine cones, daffodil and Resurrection lily bulbs, dried grasses, attractive permanent plant markers and live houseplants. Bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes. Local Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Look for the Master Gardeners on the lower level of the Jarrett Center.