African violets (Saintpaulia) are cherished flowering houseplants known for their compact size and continuous blooming cycle. Most people propagate these species by rooting a leaf cutting in water or soil. Growing African violets from seed is a specialized technique requiring an understanding of the plant’s reproductive structures and the minute size of its seeds. This method is primarily used by hobbyists and breeders aiming to create new varieties, as seeds introduce genetic variation not found in cuttings.
Visual Description of African Violet Seeds
African violet seeds are among the smallest in the houseplant world, often described as fine dust or powder. Their minute size makes them nearly impossible to handle individually without magnification. They are generally dark, appearing as speckling of dark brown to black particles when scattered. Their shape is irregular, unlike many larger plant seeds. A single mature seed capsule can hold hundreds of these dust-like seeds, which necessitates specialized sowing techniques.
Locating and Harvesting Seed Capsules
The seeds are contained within a seed capsule, which develops at the center of a pollinated flower. The ovary at the base of the pistil begins to swell, forming an initially small, firm, bright green pod. Maturation is lengthy, often taking three to six months to ripen on the plant. Maturity is signaled when the pod changes color from green to a dry, brown hue and becomes noticeably firm or hard. Once dried, the pod can be carefully removed and gently cracked open to release the minuscule seeds inside. Care must be taken to ensure the fine, powder-like seeds are not dispersed by a draft.
Sowing and Germination Requirements
African violet seeds require a sterile, fine-textured growing medium, such as a peat moss-based or specialized seed-starting mix. The prepared medium should be adequately moistened but not saturated before sowing. Seeds must be surface-sown by lightly tapping them directly onto the soil; they should not be covered. Covering the container with a clear plastic lid or bag is necessary to maintain the high humidity and consistent moisture levels needed for sprouting. Optimal germination occurs when temperatures are kept consistently warm, ideally between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). Providing good, indirect light encourages sprouting, which can begin anywhere from two to nine weeks after sowing.