SOWING SEED

By Nancy Robitaille

African violet and other gesneriad seeds are very tiny, almost dust-like. Sowing seed does not present a problem but some preparation should be done.

1. Consider using a black or dark green 3 inch pot. The dark color keeps algae from growing since algae will make your germinated seed disintegrate.

2. Your usual African violet soil is adequate or you may use vermiculite. Moisten this with water that has an added drop of NO DAMP or similar product which keeps the seedlings from dying before they are green enough to grow on their own.

3. Sprinkle a bit of soil mix that has gone through a sifter directly on top so small seeds will not fall through the cracks and crevices made by big pieces of perlite and vermiculite. Spray this with water solution before sowing seeds. Mark container.

Open packet of seed on a piece of white paper that has a crease down the middle. Do not use all the seed at once. Scatter a few seed on the mixture and give warmth from below. Do not add soil. Seed don’t actually need light until they have germinated. Window light is good but you should provide against cold drafts and strong sun. Add plastic bag or cover.

4. Seeds should germinate anywhere between 7 days to 2 months.

5. Strep seedlings show one leaf at a time. Transplant strep seedlings when leaf is about ½ inch long. Strep seedlings grow well in 100% humidity.