how long do african violet blooms last

One of the reasons African violets are so well-loved is that they can bloom nearly year-round with the right care. Each healthy flower will last two or three weeks. A happy plant can continue producing new blossoms regularly for 10 to 12 months out of the year.

Do African violets bloom all year?

A: African violets are capable of blooming year-round in the home, but they won't bloom reliably if one or more of their basic needs are not being met. The most likely reason African violets stop blooming is because they're in too little light.

Should you remove dead flowers from African violets?

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).

Do violets bloom all summer?

Like most violas, violets have the potential to bloom from late winter or spring all the way through the summer. Typically, though, they stop blooming in late spring or summer when temperatures begin to get hot. Adopt a few habits and you too can keep those violets blooming throughout the summer.

What time of year do African violets bloom?

Make no mistake — African violets need plentiful light to bloom. As a rule, give them full sun in winter, and bright light in summer. From October through April, I grow them in the sunny east window of my upstairs bath (above).

Do African violets like to be crowded?

Violets need to feel crowded to bloom, but when a plant gets too big for its pot, divide the plant's separate-looking leaf heads. ... Place in potting soil after the roots and leaves become well formed.

How often should my African violet bloom?

How Often Do African Violets Bloom? One of the reasons African violets are so well-loved is that they can bloom nearly year-round with the right care. Each healthy flower will last two or three weeks. A happy plant can continue producing new blossoms regularly for 10 to 12 months out of the year.

How often should you water African violets?

“How often to water African violets?” is perhaps the most pondered African violet dilemma. The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.

Why do African violets stop blooming?

The most common reason African violets don't bloom is because they aren't getting enough light. African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. ... Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

Should I repot my African violet?

Many successful growers of African Violets recommend repotting with fresh potting soil, twice a year or more. At the very least, an African Violet should be repotted whenever the plant becomes rootbound, i.e., the Violet has outgrown its current pot to the extent that its roots are growing out and around the rootball.

Is coffee grounds good for African violets?

Is Coffee Grounds Good for African Violets? Yes, coffee grounds are a great homemade fertilizer for African Violets. Make a mixture of dried coffee grounds and dried egg shells, then work the coffee ground mixture into the top of the soil. Replenish every couple of months.

Do violets like sun or shade?

Violets can be planted nearly anytime throughout spring and fall, though early spring is preferable. These plants enjoy light shade but will also thrive in sunny locations. While they tolerate many soil types, wild violets prefer soil that is moist, yet well-draining, and rich in organic matter.

Do violets spread?

Violets have developed numerous ways to spread. Violets spread by underground rhizomes and may form vegetative colonies. They also spread by seed.

How often should you fertilize African violets?

These little plants need feeding every 4 to 6 weeks during their growing period. Prior to feeding, moisten the soil well. Use a liquid or soluble powder formula that will provide instant delivery.

How do I force my African violet to bloom?

Two 40-watt fluorescent tubes suspended 12 to 15 inches above the plants for 15 hours a day provide sufficient light to promote flowering. Turn the lights off at night because African violets also need eight hours of darkness to promote flowering.

Can you divide African violets?

The plants often develop multiple crowns, which can be split apart and used to propagate new plants. Division propagation creates mature African violet plants faster than other methods. However, they are susceptible to damage and must be handled with care to ensure success.

What kind of pots do African violets like?

For best results, plant African violets in African violet pots, which are small (4- to 5-inch) ceramic or plastic self-watering containers. Growing plants in these pots will provide the proper amount of continuous moisture to the plants.

What do you do with overgrown African violets?

A similar method of repotting can be done for long necked African violet plants that have up to an inch (2.5 cm.) of bare stem. Remove the plant from the pot and cut off any dead or damaged bottom foliage. Then, with a knife, gently scrape away the top layer of the bare stem, exposing the inner cambium layer.

Why are the bottom leaves of my African violet dying?

Over-watering is the most common way that people kill their African violets. Leaf or flower loss, limp plants, and crown and stem rot are all results of too much water. Insufficient watering causes roots to shrivel and die, the plant to lose vigor and color, and then collapse.

Do African violets bloom more than once?

Answer: Given the proper care and conditions, African violets can bloom nearly constantly. If your plant is producing new, healthy, leaves, but no blooms, the likely causes are either insufficient light and/or excess crowns or suckeres.

Can African violets get too much light?

African Violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If Violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers. ... In the most severe cases, too much sunlight can actually be fatal to African Violets.