African Violets and Gesneriads: Micro and Mini Sinningias from seed, 1 by bsimpson1972

bsimpson1972 wrote:
This is one of the topics that hasn't been talked about enough IMHO: One of the best and cheapest ways to build up a collection of micro and mini Sinningias is by seed.

If you can get you hands on seed (seed fund, ebay, friends, DG), you should definitely try it. It's easy and rewarding. One thing to keep in mind is that hybrids often set seed that is not viable or produces weak or very little offspring. So, even if you are doing everything right, it won't always work. This is usually no problem with micros because the three micro mini species are closely enough related to produce fertile offspring most of the time.

There are, however, quite a few fertile mini Sinningias that set seed readily.

Use your favorite, sterile, pre-moistened medium and sprinkle the seed on top. Cover. Put in a warm, bright spot. Germination usually starts after 4-5 days but can sometimes take up to 2 weeks. There are reports of seed germinating after months. The seedlings grow rapidly. Leave them alone for a week or two. And now the fun starts. With a toothpick, carfully jostle the tiny seedlings around a bit "tickling their roots". Repeat this process two weeks later. Now the seedlings should be ready to be separated. After another two weeks, remove the cotyledons and plant the tiny plant a little deeper so that the lower leaves barely touch the soil. Repeat 2 more times every two to three weeks and pot up into 2.5" pots.

This is the basic strategy for almost all Gesneriads. Works like a charm when you practice it a little bit and Sinningias are tough little guys. They are a great way to start.

Sinningia 'Country Tiger' x self. My first mini Sinningias from seed that I won on ebay. Seed sown in December. Happily growing on wicks. I can't wait for the flowers.