News Letter 
January, 1951 
Dear Friends: 
A word of sincere thanks to the many violet 
friends who remembered us with their personal 
cards and notes at the holiday season. It is indeed 
heart-warming to know that you thought of us! 
Thanks a million. 
More questions about growing violets from 
seed: 
Q. Stem wilted long before the seed was 
ripe. Why? Mrs. C.E.L., Winner, S. Dakota. 
A. Probably due to insufficient fertilizing in 
the first place. Next time, be positive that the 
stigma is well-coated with pollen. 
Q. Ihave two violets full of seed. How long 
does it take for them to ripen? Mrs. O.R.H., Dub- 
lin, Virginia. 
A. If fertilized in the spring, about four 
months. If fertilizing is done in the late fall or 
winter, more like ten months. 
@. Please send details on how to fix soil for 
planting seed, also general care of seed after 
planted. Mrs. H. S., Ridgeway, Missouri. 
A. Suggest planting seed in mason jar set on 
its side, with about an inch of sterile sand or vermi- 
culite (fine). Moisten. Sprinkle seed over area 
from the blade of a knife. Place cap on jar. If 
moisture condenses inside the jar, remove the cap 
for about 30 minutes. As soon as seeds germinate, 
begin feedings with mild Hyponex solution, leav- 
ing cap off at all times. When seedlings are large 
enough to handle, lift out gently with knife-blade 
and pot in 2-inch pots. 
Q@. How can I tell a Blue Boy from a Blue 
Girl? Mrs. C.F.S., Nebraska. 
A. Blue Girl has scalloped leaves. white spot 
at base of leaf. 
Q. Why do lower leaves curl and hang limp 
around the pot, especially the pink one? Mrs. 
C.H.B., Alabama. 
A. Mineral salt deposits on the rim of the 
pot often account for a disintegration of the leaves 
resting thereon. Arrange layer of aluminum foil 
around the edge of the pot, or coat the rim of the 
pot with paraffin. Pink varieties just naturally a 
little more anemic than the blues. 
Copyright, January, 1951, Russell Gray 
EON ORID, OER DT EB ERE I RED OE CS ED EE 2 
