Seed propagation of African violets

The reproduction of Saintpaulia by seeds is much more complicated than the vegetative one and is usually put into practice by people with experience in the field. Artificial pollination, obtaining seeds, planting them make this process quite difficult. Planting tiny seeds requires precision, patience and special attention.
We can get seeds from any species of violets, but the seed reproduction of hybrid species does not give the expected result. Chickens no longer inherit the decorative characteristics of the mother plant and are distinguished from each other by their size, form, the color of the leaves and flowers.

Usually, proceeds to this method if it is necessary to grow a wild species of violet (from the seeds come out a lot of such saplings) or, if we have some experience in the field, we try to get new and promising species. Saintpaulia seeds are not fit for a long existence – about 6-9 months. They are planted at any time of the year, the main condition being the full light.

The planting procedure is quite simple. On the bottom of a transparent plastic vessel, place a layer of river sand (grains of sand not to be tiny) thickness 0.5 – 1cm. The second layer consists of loose earth and well moistened by thickness 1-2 cm. The third layer can be made of river sand, it's not mandatory. The seeds are sown on the surface. For a more uniform distribution of them, can be mixed with river sand.

Another way would be, if we are in full winter, the formation of a thin layer of snow and the sowing of seeds on top. The snow will melt, and the earth will be fully moistened. You can also use soil for planting African violets, mixed with river sand ( 1 pah earth flowers, 3 pah river sand). It should be borne in mind, however, that the shoots feed exclusively on the substances from the seminta, that's why they don't need a soil rich in fertilizers. Contrary, a 'greasy' soil can lead to molding of seeds or chickens.

The bowl in which I planted the seeds is covered with glass from the window and put in a bright and warm place, protected from the direct rays of the sun. Every day, the vessel is airy, and the glass is erased by water formed by condensation. The optimum temperature of seedling development is 24-25 C.

The first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks. They are so tiny that they can only be noticed with the help of a magnifying glass. When the chicks have a row of leaves, they are rare. The thinning of the seedlings is important, because it allows a better development of their roots.
Many florists also resort to a second rarity of the seedling, others prefer the planting of chickens in disposable glasses.