Optimara Growing Tips
Start to Finish
4
Spacing
• First Spacing -
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Correct spacing is important. After potting the plants you should space the
pot into a staggered position
pot-to-pot
of about 10 pots per square foot. The plants will remain
in this spacing for about 5 to 6 weeks depending on the season.
As soon as the leaves of the individual plants start interfering with the neighboring plants by
pushing up their leaves on each other -- about to 5-6 weeks into the growing period -- it is time for
the first spacing. The distance between each pot should not be too big in order to maintain the
microclimate on the table (approx. 6 pots per square foot). An exception to this rule are the girl
varieties which from the beginning should be spaced directly for their final position (8 pots per
square foot). In general, if the plants are spaced too far apart during the first spacing, the leaves
will get hard and grow downwards.
• Second Spacing
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After 7 to 8 weeks of production, you will be required to respace the
plants for a second time. The 4" pots should be spaced for their final position of about 4 pots per
square foot. Scipping the second spacing may be an obtion provided the first spacing allowed for
the additional space required. The plants may not develop properly in size and form.
Watering
• The Way to Water --
African Violets should only be watered with temperated water (65 -
75°F), otherwise yellow spots may develop on the leaves. It is important to note that any
fluctuation of plus or minus more than 10-12°F between the water temperature and the room
temperature will cause leaf spotting. If temperated water is not available, water your crop in the
early morning hours. Water from the top as long as possible to avoid salt build-up in the upper
part of the pot which might appear as a result of subirrigation over an extended period of time.
After the first spacing and when the first flowers appear, you should switch to subirrigation to
prevent spotting on the flowers.
• Symptoms of Overwatering --
One can recognize an overwatered African Violet by the
yellowish heart or center of the plant. If this symptom appears, refrain from watering for 10 days.
Only spot-water those plants that absolutely require water. After this short dry spell, do not liquid
fertilize your plants since the fertilizer will burn the roots and severely harm the plants. First apply
a good drench of water, and then resume your regular schedule of watering and fertilizing.
