February 2024 - 34

GREEN GOODS
The more you know,
the
L&GR: Have you seen any changes or innovations
in African violet in recent years?
Brooks and Corondan: One of the most recent
developments in violet hybrids is the expansion of
varieties with puff fantasy blossoms. Fantasy blossoms are
splotched, streaked or rayed with a contrasting color or
deeper shade of the same color. In a puff fantasy blossom,
these splotches on the blossom are in a circular shape.
Another recent innovation is the development of microminiature
violets. These tiny plants are grown in 1.5- to
1.75-inch-diameter pots. They take up very little space and
are available in many varieties of blossom colors.
Garcia: Yes, our breeding initiatives have been focused
on bringing new varieties that will excite consumers to
continue to purchase these plants. One of the newest
varieties we're launching, Rococo, has curly leaves and
double flowers, which provides a lot of visual interest.
Another exciting introduction is our Curlies, which have
curly leaves and flower forms.
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L&GR: How do you think retailers and growers
can capitalize on the African violet category?
Stephen Barlow: One of the great advantages of African
violets is the upsell products that go along with them.
Self-watering African violet pots, as well as the fertilizer, are
almost always an add-on sale at retail. Having the correct
setup at retail is important, though. We ensure that they are
watered via capillary mats to keep cold water off the foliage.
Blazek: Use the information we have on our website
(ngb.org/year-of-the-african-violet). The fact sheets,
logo, images, signage, PowerPoints and more are there
for anyone to use for no charge. It's kind of a " What you
feature will sell " mentality, so take advantage and use the
opportunity to highlight how easy they are to grow and
keep, how long they might last, how many different colors
and variations there are, and more. Just give the backstory
and the interest will follow.
Brooks and Corondan: Growers and retailers can
We share expert knowledge with you.
Learn more at AmericanHort.org/Education
capitalize on the African violet category by showcasing
healthy plants in bloom and understanding basic care,
so they thrive while in the retail space or grow out
environment. Basic care instructions are available at
the AVSA website, africanvioletsocietyofamerica.org. To
encourage successful growing by the consumer, retailers
might consider recommending the AVSA website for
growing tips or purchasing full-color care brochures
from the website store for a small fee to include with the
purchase of a plant. There are also many local clubs that
retailers can find on the AVSA website and recommend to
customers for more information and a fun get-together.
Growers should consider purchasing named stock varieties
from hybridizers and other specialty growers that are not
commonly available in the retail market to compete with
the commonly available selection of unnamed violets. Both
growers and retailers can become commercial members of
AVSA and are able to advertise in the AVSA magazine and
newsletter to reach enthusiastic growers on a regular basis.
34 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | FEBRUARY 2024
stronger
you grow!
https://americanhort.co/Membership_February_LGR_HalfPageVert http://www.ngb.org/year-of-the-african-violet http://www.africanvioletsocietyofamerica.org
February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2024
