May 2024 - 46

HOUSEPLANTS
Have you seen any changes or innovations in African
violet in recent years?
Brooks and Corondan: One of the most recent
developments in violet hybrids is the expansion of
varieties with puff fantasy blossoms. Fantasy blossoms are
splotched, streaked or rayed with a contrasting color or
deeper shade of the same color. In a puff fantasy blossom,
these splotches on the blossom are in a circular shape.
Another recent innovation is the development of microminiature
violets. These tiny plants are grown in 1.5- to
1.75-inch-diameter pots. They take up very little space
and are available in many varieties of blossom colors.
Garcia: Yes, our breeding initiatives have been focused
on bringing new varieties that will excite consumers to
continue to purchase these plants. One of the newest
varieties we're launching, Rococo, has curly leaves and
double flowers, which provides a lot of visual interest.
Another exciting introduction is our Curlies, which have
curly leaves and flower forms.
Does the production or sale of African violet present
any challenges for growers or retailers?
Flynn: Keeping the plants watered and getting them
to rebloom. We use seed trays to water the plants from
the bottom, and we place the plants in a brighter area to
make them rebloom.
Garcia: Transportation poses a common challenge for
both growers and retailers, particularly in the context
of supermarket retailers. Many aim to leverage their
distribution centers to extend product availability in
stores. However, this can be problematic for some tropical
plant products, as these centers and trucks are often
refrigerated, potentially causing damage to the plants.
Another common challenge encountered in some
garden centers involves proper watering practices for
this type of plant. Overhead irrigation should be avoided
completely because the cold water will damage the
foliage and flowers. The recommended watering method
is bottom watering, where the plants are placed in a tray
of water, allowing them to absorb moisture through the
drainage holes in the grower pot.
Why do you think African violets are appealing at the
consumer level?
Stephen Barlow: African violets are a mainstay as part
of our indoor flowering plant lineup. We consistently sell
them 52 weeks a year. They have a great shelf life, are
easy to maintain and are an easy sell to our customers.
Blazek: Partly nostalgia. For those of us who paid
attention to our mom's or grandma's plants, they
remind us of them. For others who maybe weren't
paying attention(!) it feels retro. Those 18 to 20 million
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MAY 2024 GPNMAG.COM
An assortment of African violets at Walter Andersen
Nursery. Photo courtesy of Walter Andersen Nursery.
new gardeners as a result of COVID are still interested
in gardening. Maybe they started with vegetable
gardening but now want to bring things indoors. Help
them fill that need!
Brooks and Corondan: African violets are appealing
at the consumer level because they are the only easily
available houseplant that can flower indoors year-round.
And, with a small amount of basic knowledge, they are
easy to care for. Thousands of different varieties are
available and they are easily propagated.
There is sometimes a stigma of being " old lady " plants
and hard to care for, but neither is true. The idea that
they are your grandmother's houseplant shows that they
have been grown successfully for over 100 years. Many
young people with apartments or families with little time
for gardening enjoy being able to have blooming plants
in their home. Properly cared for, an African violet can
live indefinitely.
Flynn: Great, easy color for indoors.
Garcia: With the rising popularity in houseplants,
African violets are a rewarding houseplant that, with
proper care, can thrive for years due to their ease of
maintenance. It's the perfect combination for anyone
that wants to start owning a plant. It also lends itself
to start a collection because of the many different
colors and flower forms it offers. Lastly, the nostalgic
connection to gardening traditions adds to their
appeal.
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May 2024

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