Question: Is there a way to force African violets to bloom? My plants do not start blooming until they are mature plants. I have seen very small plants in bloom. Are these early bloomers “forced”?
Answer: Early blooming is a product of two things: the genetic predisposition of the variety, and good culture. Some varieties just bloom earlier than others. As hybridizers, this is a trait that we look for. Some, in fact, begin to bloom just shortly after being separated from a leaf cutting. We will actually remove the buds on these varieties to allow them to develop some foliage first. These varieties are also often the ones being sold, since commercial growers are interested in a quick turnover–varieties that take up growing space waiting to bloom are more costly to grow.
Good cultural conditions, from the very beginning, are also important in early blooming. For example, we fertilize normally from the beginning. Leaf cuttings and small plantlets are fertilized as much and as often as mature plants. This is contrary to the opinion of some. Our feeling is that a growing plant needs food, no matter its size. Light, water, temperature, etc. are also the same as for mature plants. This isn’t “forcing” in that nothing different is being done for younger plants. What’s being provided are the optimal conditions to allow young plants to reach their full potential at their earliest age.