African Violet 'Happy Cricket'

African Violets are Day Neutral, meaning that they do not require the onset of either longer or shorter days to prompt the start of flowering, but will flower at any time of the year providing that the right combination of light, nutrients and water are made available. Some verities seem to be in continuous bloom, while other verities will often take a small rest period between flowerings.

To flower profusely they need in the order of 10 to 12 hours of indirect sunlight or florescent light. Direct sun for any length of time will cause the leaves to burn. In their natural surroundings (South Africa) these plants live in the shade of larger flora.

Many growers prefer to fertilize their African Violets with every watering rather than at manufactures recommendations but will compensate by using a weaker formula. As an example if a fertilizer manufacturer recommends 1 tsp / gallon once every 2 to 3 weeks. Many AV growers will mix the fertilizer at 1/4 tsp per gallon and feed with every watering.

Recomendations:

• 
  10 – 12 hours of indirect sunlight per day
  
• 
  Allow the surface to dry out (dry to the touch) before rewatering
  
• 
  fertilize at 1/4 strength with every watering ( 20-20-20 is fine )

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Plant in a location that enjoys dappled sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Happy Cricket is thought of as tender, so it is really important to ensure that the outside temperature is well above freezing before planting or moving outdoors. Happy Cricket requires a potting mix, sandy and loamy soil with a ph of 6.1 - 6.5 - it grows best in weakly acidic soil.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 22°C / 72°F to ensure good germination.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Happy Cricket is a tender plant.

The common name African Violet was given to the plant because of where it was discovered along with the fact that the bloom looked very much like a violet. In effect it has no botanical relationship to the real violet