How to Grow African Violets 
For success and fairly constant bloom on 
your Saintpaulias, follow this brief but 
tested program. Really, they’re very easily 
grown! 
Location: Place in north or east win- 
dows during the summer months. They 
thrive on fresh air and light. Avoid direct 
sunshine. Shaded porch is ideal. 
During the winter months, place in sunny 
windows, shield your plants from the direct 
sun rays by your curtains or venetian blinds. 
Watering: Never water with cold water. 
Let the water stand until it reaches room 
temperature. Then water, in a saucer, from 
the bottom every morning. Take care only 
to give your violets the amount they will 
absorb by early afternoon. 
Temperature: Ideal temperature is that 
which we prefer, 70 to 72 degrees F. Don’t 
let the night temperature fall below 60 de- 
grees. 
If the air is dry, make provisions for hum- 
idity. Place water in a container near your 
heatimg unit. Both you and your plants will 
benefit. 
Cleansing: Give your plants the “weekly 
Saturday bath.” This may be done by spray- 
ing foliage with your plant syringe. Be sure 
the water used is room temperature. If it’s 
much cooler or warmer, leaf spotting and 
crown-rotting may result. 
Soil: A good potting mixture contains 
two parts loam soil and one part each of 
rotted manure, peat, and sand. Another 
good mixture is one part garden soil, one 
part leaf mold; add enough sand to make a 
loose mixture. 
Sterilize your soil and pots before using. 
Moisten the soil thoroughly. Then bake in 
your oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. 
Dip the rims of your clean pots %4 inch deep 
in melted parafin. This prevents rot due to 
leaf stems resting on edge of pots. 
Fertilizer: If a good potting soil is used, 
little fertilizer will be required. However, 
your plants need food. We use, and highly 
recommend Plant Marvel. 
Disease and Pest Control: It’s easier to 
prevent than cure. Spray your plants every 
month or so with a good deterrent such as 
Black Leaf 40, N.N.O.R. or Optox. These 
may be purchased from your local druggist 
or florist. Use according to directions. 
New Complete Book of African Violets by Helen Van Pelt Wilson 
B-103 
This brand new book is a dandy one on the popular Saintpaulias. Brings 
you up to date with the latest cultural directions and newest varieties. 
Contains 11 chapters—40 pages of drawings with 29 varieties in full 
color. 
You can’t fail to have super-beautiful blooming plants if you follow the 
$2.95. 
simple directions. 
Plant Marvel 
“FEED AS YOU WATER” 
For extra large flowers and luxuriant foliage water your African Violets and other 
house plants with this easy-to-use, completely soluble fertilizer. 
COMPLETE DIRECTIONS AND ALUMINUM 
MEASURING SPOON WITH EACH PACKAGE 
PM 101—Trial Size Package (makes 50 quarts) _$ .35 
PM-102—% Lb. Can (makes 125 gallons) ___~- 
PM-103—1 Lb Can (makes 250 gallons) ----_- 
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