Optimara Growing Tips
Start to Finish
3
4 INCH AFRICAN VIOLETS
Potting
• Potting Mix --
The first and most important step in growing a good quality plant is the
establishment of a good potting mix for planting the starter plant.The potting media should be a
light and porous mix. We are using straight block-harvested peatmoss and are adding 20% to
25% perlite, you may use shredded styrochip beads. Depending on the acidity of your peatmoss,
you have to add the proper amount of lime to balance the PH to about 5.8 to 6.2. We also include
an organic fertilizer to meet the plants' immediate fertilizing needs. You may select not to include
any organic fertilizer and start to liquid feed the plants immediately after potting. We do not
recommend any kind of slow-release fertilizers since the plants' water requirements vary
considerably during the different times of the year. Any kind of fluctuation in watering will result in
over- and underfertilizing of the plants. We recommend a liquid fertilizer system. We are using a
14-12-14 NPK fertilizer with trace elements, but without urea, at a rate of 100 parts per mil.
• Pots --
For the normal crop, use 4" or 4 1/2" pots. If larger plants are to be grown, 5" or 6" pots
are more suitable
(see section on "Growing Bigger Pot Sizes").
• Potting Procedures --
Water dry starters thoroughly before potting them. Do not pot the
starters too loosely. The growth habit of the plants will be more compact if the starters are
pressed firmly into the mix. While potting make sure that the hearts of the plants are not covered
with your mix, yet do not pot them too high so that the plants can develop nicely. Leaving a rim
for watering will make later watering from the top easier. Water as long as possible from the top,
at least until the first spacing. Place the potted plants pot to pot and water thoroughly with
temperated water (see section on "Watering"). Covering the potted African Violets with a light foil
or gauze will improve the microclimate on the table and accelerate the growth.
