Fertilizing african violets

I was reading an article about fertilizers and ran across an article stating that Peter's 20-20-20 has doubled the amount of Urea Nitrogen in its fertilizer.

Jesse, I have some Peters Specialities African Violet Food and just checked it. It has no urea. I learned that if urea is under 10%, it does not damage the roots.

Off to read the article. Thank you for the link. :o)

Yes the African violet's Peter's food has no Urea and I think another kind of Peter's just stopped putting Urea in their fertilizer also.
Now if you use Eleanor's VF-11 or Optimara , or Peter's African violet food you don't have to worry about Urea !
I have never read and hear about 10 percent or less ok ? Maybe it works ok for some ?
I just don't wish to take the chance when there are so many good foods without it. The reason they use Urea is beacasue it's a cheaper form of Urea .
Thanks for the info though Jesses and Anna :)) Helps us make good chooses .

Allison, one of the growers at the club meeting mentioned that less than 10% is OK as it is too weak to burn leaves. Like you, I am afraid to take a risk so I looked for something without urea.

Yes I'd rather play safe sense I have the choise to. I have read many, many AV books abd nagazines new and old... and belonged to local group with people who had grown 30 years plus . The group started in 1955 :)) .
I have never read or been told that it's good to use.
So I figure when there's so many foods out there without it why take the chance :))

Who was it that could get the VF-11 for us again? I forgot and couldn't find it.

Jesse

Jesse, can't you find VF-11 out there?? I can get it here off the shelves. I'll check Wal-Mart prices if you'd like....Lauri

I can get VF-11 here, too...I haven't checked the prices out at the local gardening store. But it's also available at discountgardensupply.com (I have no affiliation with them :)) Discount garden supply is here in Spokane, too...doubt I could ship it cheaper than them but we could find out...

Deb got it there also Jacki ! She posted link and I think she said it was deleivered to her pretty fast !
Thanks for the info :))

I did not even know of this store until I found DG. Then I was looking through the watchdog 30 or something and came across it! ~LOL~ Kevin and I were driving around last Saturday night and accidently drove right by it...I think it's calling to me.....

J.

Deleted by Joanne - dead link

This message was edited Apr 4, 2006 8:20 PM

Okay let's try this address:

http://www.charleysgreenhouse.com/

Joanne

I have never heard of or seen VF-11 anywhere in my area. I wonder why no one around here sells it.

Jesse

Jesse,
I started looking for it here, too, and couldn't find it. Everyone raves about it that does use it, so I was disappointed.

In reading labels on AV food, I have found that all of them that contain urea say 6.9%, so that would mean that any AV food would be safe. I don't buy it unless I can find urea-free food, and even Peter's brand is nearly impossible to find here. I guess I'll start shopping online and just pay the shipping charges. I guess if we start complaining to the stores, they might start carrying the right stuff.

Diane

Thanks for telling me that Diane. I thought I must be really stupid because I could not find it. I am still wondering if this plant food that I found yesterday will work. It has no urea in it but I want to hear from the rest of you guys to get your opinion on it. This was not that expensive but I want to make sure it is safe before I open the package. If not I will take it back and order some online. I wonder why our area does not have the other ones.

Jesse

Hey guys. I use urea free Optimara av fertilizer at 1/3 the recommended strength. My experience has been less better than more no matter which fertilizer you use. And, if you use a crystal or powder form, make sure it is completely disolved. It can become quite concentrated at the bottom of the bottle if everything has not disolved before you use it.

Happy growing!

Thanks for the link, Joanne.

Don

Yes Optimara food is real nice like Nanna said. I think most people have to order if they want to buy a non-Urea food.
VF-11 is made in Ca. and you can't buy it in Florida either. But lot's of plant things you can't buy in the stores. Just like the rare , named, Vintage , Russian, Trailers and more types of African violets.
You spend a lot of money buying and taking care of your plants might else well continue with the food you use.
Weather I use Optimara, or VF-11 or another non-Urea plant food I must order it.
I use to be able to get the Peters Av food with no Urea but can't find it at Lowes anymore :((

Joanne I glad you can get VF-11 too :)) It's the best ! Thanks Joanne :))

I'd bet WalMart would order optimara food because they have optimara plants.

That's a good idea Nanna ! I bet they would :))
Thank You !

Evening!

I am going to ask our new Wal-Mart here if they can get that Optimara food....would I use that in place of VF-11?

I thought VF-11 was a great fertilizer.

Joanne

I think I will check the real nurseries around town and see what they have. I'm sick of walking up and down in Lowes and Home Depot trying to find non-urea food. One time they have what you want and then the next time you look they don't have it and don't know when they will get it. I don't usually go to the nurseries re: cost, but if I have to pay shipping anyway.............

Diane

VF-11 is all you need Joanne . I love it but when I cant aford it or get it Optimara would be my second choise.

Deleted by Joanne

This message was edited Apr 5, 2006 12:19 PM

Jesse I was thinking about your plant food with first `number the highest would not be good for variegate plants. Now it will be good for your plants with yellowing foliage or babies that are too white. also good for your babies, leaves down.
You know the Secret gardens where you can buy pots they do sell Peter's Av food. I've used it on and off the past couple years and I like it ! Just an option is you have not ordered VF-11 yet.

Peters Special 12-36-14 African Violet

8 oz. $4.95
http://www.secretgardenrareplants.com/catalog.cfm?category_id=16

Jesse I was thinking about your plant food with first `number the highest would not be good for variegate plants. Now it will be good for your plants with yellowing foliage or babies that are too white. also good for your babies, leaves down.
You know the Secret gardens where you can buy pots they do sell Peter's Av food. I've used it on and off the past couple years and I like it ! Just an option is you have not ordered VF-11 yet.

Peters Special 12-36-14 African Violet

8 oz. $4.95
http://www.secretgardenrareplants.com/catalog.cfm?category_id=16