tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32896530518194058142024-03-13T21:25:13.268-07:00African Violet Growing Tips & Tricks from Hoovers HybridsProvides general, experienced based, information on the culture and care of African Violets...with a sprinkle of humor!hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-962933747265846042012-01-07T15:36:00.000-08:002012-01-07T15:38:13.653-08:00Streptocarpus WOW (Polish)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so I "borrowed" this photograph. It's okay, I'm not realizing any financial gain from doing so!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's an awfully pretty new streptocarpus from Poland. It has hit eBay a couple of times and is currently listed for sale by a grower in Poland. It seems like a very reasonable price to pay...about $42 for the plant with shipping. Click </span><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/streptocarpus-WOW-plant-NEW-Polish-variety-/170760324981?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item27c21bc775#ht_1117wt_1132" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HERE </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to go the eBay listing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am also growing this variety, courtesy of he who can't be named, and will have some starters available in early summer (provided of course I get good propagation). The hybridizer will be paid 50% of the sales price for any that I sell.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3u2IKMHvJE/TwjWYYo2ZXI/AAAAAAAAATI/ahRCP-2zpFE/s1600/WOW_Closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3u2IKMHvJE/TwjWYYo2ZXI/AAAAAAAAATI/ahRCP-2zpFE/s320/WOW_Closeup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-86232679928135326972012-01-02T07:02:00.000-08:002012-01-02T07:04:35.862-08:00African Violets on my WebsiteI decided to upgrade my point of sale system at my gift store and one of the benefits is the very robust website tools that accompany the system. I can now seemlessly manage both instore and website inventory which is going to free up a lot of maintenance time for me. <br />
<br />
What am I going to do with this new found free time? Add my violets and streptocarpus to my gift store website of course!<br />
<br />
I suspect I will have the website transitioned by the middle of February and will then focus on bringing the violets, streptocarpus (and possibly supplies) into the inventory. I should have everything ready to go by the time spring shipping starts. One of the benefits to using the point of sale system is it will manage my plant inventory as well. Meaning, if a plant is in stock, it will show in stock! That means no substitutions!<br />
<br />
The web address is: www.yourenchantedgifts.com<br />
<br />
Stay tuned!hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-36417759642166424842011-12-27T19:04:00.001-08:002011-12-27T19:13:38.437-08:00Pixie Runaround Sport anyone?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last year I didn't propagate any of these great little trailers for sale. This year I won't (rather you won't) miss out. They are coming along quite nicely! It is one of my favorite little trailers that just blooms and blooms! And it is also very easy to propagate. Win/win!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x1S8Z8f5Xg/TvqHA1vABbI/AAAAAAAAATA/G_TrnmEAKxg/s1600/pixie+runaround+sport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x1S8Z8f5Xg/TvqHA1vABbI/AAAAAAAAATA/G_TrnmEAKxg/s320/pixie+runaround+sport.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-9683734839533823972011-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:002011-12-27T19:15:13.280-08:00There be SEEDLINGS in those trays!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It feels like it has been forever since I posted a blog entry and apparently it has been! Here is a sneak peek at some trailer seedlings I have been cultivating over the winter. Hopefully by February I will see a few blooms! Time will tell....the foliage parent is Alan's Fallen Angel...hence the variegated foliage!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--76sTu_z26E/TvqGlGsMb1I/AAAAAAAAAS0/K-CrNZDc7r0/s1600/Seedlings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--76sTu_z26E/TvqGlGsMb1I/AAAAAAAAAS0/K-CrNZDc7r0/s320/Seedlings.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-75403914162853589292011-10-30T21:49:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:51:09.904-07:00Darth Vader has returned...sort of!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was without question the largest flower on any plant in the LSAVC show and boy is it ever showy! Although commonly referred to as "Florist Gloxinia" these plants are actually Sinningia. In this specific example we have Sinningia speciosa 'Peridots Darth Vader'.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNdntQySy4s/Tq4oeDSidpI/AAAAAAAAASA/yGosabRc6ag/s1600/Sin_Darth-Vader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNdntQySy4s/Tq4oeDSidpI/AAAAAAAAASA/yGosabRc6ag/s320/Sin_Darth-Vader.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-1583682044121589332011-10-30T21:21:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:21:54.754-07:00Streptocarpus Blueberry Butterfly<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was a STUNNING plant at the LSAVC show in Fort Worth. I've almost purchased this variety several times but for some reason never pulled the trigger. Now I wish I had! UGH!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYnAWZ9fQBY/Tq4iKUdx2FI/AAAAAAAAAR4/DqpLzxZb-TY/s1600/S.-Blueberry-Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYnAWZ9fQBY/Tq4iKUdx2FI/AAAAAAAAAR4/DqpLzxZb-TY/s320/S.-Blueberry-Butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-70958459190852858002011-10-30T20:55:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:55:07.968-07:00Rebel's Rose Bud<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a GORGEOUS standard variety that made more than a few heads turn. Simply gorgeous! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rebel's Rose Bud (9288) 11/12/2003 (R. Bann) Double light pink two-tone star/ruffled fuchsia edge. Variegated dark green and cream, pointed, quilted/red back. Standard</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5x7R2JSnGM/Tq4cDvlOs3I/AAAAAAAAARw/GjpWIreqfMU/s1600/Rebel%2527s-Rose-Bud_FC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5x7R2JSnGM/Tq4cDvlOs3I/AAAAAAAAARw/GjpWIreqfMU/s320/Rebel%2527s-Rose-Bud_FC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" />hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-50970868192722399252011-10-30T20:52:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:52:30.635-07:00At Home with Hortense Pittman<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I always take a few extra days when I attend the Lone Star African Violet Council show to spend time with my old and dear friends Ray & Hortense Pittman. This year was no exception and I managed to capture a good picture of Hortense grooming some of her entries for the show.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75xIWIgqTiQ/Tq4bV6eAH8I/AAAAAAAAARo/wL_mYxSSeow/s1600/Hortense-Pittman_Grooming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75xIWIgqTiQ/Tq4bV6eAH8I/AAAAAAAAARo/wL_mYxSSeow/s320/Hortense-Pittman_Grooming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-87481574879795206712011-10-30T20:47:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:47:50.517-07:00Lone Star African Violet Council Show (2011)<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The 2011 Lone Star African Violet Council Show is in the books and what an amazing show it was with over 450 horticultural entries. I'll be posting some of the exhibits from the show over the new week or so. So keep checking back!</span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-28477656771713232052011-10-16T21:57:00.000-07:002011-10-17T06:37:46.913-07:00Harlequin Blue goes Batty...just in time for Halloween!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I seem to be on a roll lately with Streptocarpus sporting on me. Here's the latest. This is occurring on a plant of Dibleys Harlequin Blue. The flower shape is now "tubular" (trumpet shaped) and the color within the tube is yellow but the outside is still the original blue. Strange but true!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AuGXqkMN-0/Tpu1l9rM5tI/AAAAAAAAARM/dY8GWD6OByc/s1600/Sport-of-HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AuGXqkMN-0/Tpu1l9rM5tI/AAAAAAAAARM/dY8GWD6OByc/s320/Sport-of-HB.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-55828891827514368702011-10-16T21:51:00.000-07:002011-10-16T21:51:15.519-07:00Myfanway - a strange name but a pretty little Streptocarpus!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did you know the general public goes CRAZY over strepts? Me either! Well, I didn't until I started putting them in my gift store. Some months they almost pay the rent!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's a newer variety from Dibleys in the UK. I'm not a "fan" (no pun intended) of the name but I do like the plant. It blooms young, is very prolific blooming and the foliage is well behaved. It should definitely be on your wish list!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9eBovJIrdU/Tpu0NV9ksdI/AAAAAAAAARE/Y8czVF4C9hg/s1600/Plant_Blooming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9eBovJIrdU/Tpu0NV9ksdI/AAAAAAAAARE/Y8czVF4C9hg/s320/Plant_Blooming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-69781281914870188782011-10-07T20:45:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:45:40.672-07:00Lone Star African Violet Council Show (a.k.a., Texas State Convention)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm just a few weeks from taking my annual pilgrimage to Texas to participate in the Lone Star African Violet Council Show (LSAVC).</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year it is being held October 27th - 29th in Fort Worth, Texas. The convention hotel is the Crown Plaza Fort Worth South. The theme of the convention this year is, "A Violet Traveler's Guide to Cowtown". </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The guest speaker this year is Dr. Bill Price from Vancouver BC, Canada. He is an avid grower of the "other gesneriads" and is recognized as an expert on many.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area come pay us a visit!</span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-48555835311762175632011-10-07T08:53:00.000-07:002011-10-17T18:52:29.843-07:00There be SEEDLINGS in those trays!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sowed the seeds on September 22nd and 14 days later...presto! Seedlings. The mother plant is Alan's Fallen Angel. The pollen parent is TOP SECRET! :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PDF5_owTZI/TpzbefZ-REI/AAAAAAAAARU/OzrJEeoynbA/s1600/Seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PDF5_owTZI/TpzbefZ-REI/AAAAAAAAARU/OzrJEeoynbA/s320/Seedlings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-20229399757599555672011-10-01T20:03:00.000-07:002011-10-03T05:41:39.944-07:00"Doc...I'm seeing SPOTS" or "Me thinks Streptocarpus Cajun Shrimp has sported!!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My friend was kind enough to send me a starter plant earlier this year. It was shy about blooming so when this first blossom came on I paid close attention. Much to my surprise it has SPOTS!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It will be interesting to see if the spots continue or if this is a "one and done" type of aberration.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stay tuned!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0cY5UmPngc/TofURwW_zvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/J_ZjObBsxSw/s1600/Cajun-Shrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0cY5UmPngc/TofURwW_zvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/J_ZjObBsxSw/s320/Cajun-Shrimp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-14453222146678849182011-09-22T20:12:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:12:03.859-07:00The Lifecycle of an African Violet seed pod or "We're going to have BABIES!"<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think it is fair to say that my interest in hybridizing saved my interest in African Violets. After growing them for over 20 years I had really lost my passion for the plants. Fortunately my good friend Hortense Pittman kept putting a bug in my ear, "Why don't you do more hybridizing?" So I took her advice and have once again embarked on the quest for the perfect violet! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For those of you who may need a new challenge with your violets, let me introduce you to the initial result of crossing "this variety" with "that variety".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first photograph was taken about a month after I crossed Rose Garden onto Alan's Fallen Angel. The seed pod, as you can see, has grow to a nice size in only 30 days.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The second photograph was taken four months after the cross was made and the seed pods are fully mature. I do allow the seed pods to fully mature on the plant (turn brown) before harvesting them. Once harvested, I place them in a cool/dry place for about 10 days to complete the drying/maturing process.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The last photograph are the actual seeds that came from just <u>one</u> of the seed pods. There are well over 100 seeds pictured. The large, round, "plump" looking seeds are viable and should germinate in 7-20 days. The other seed (the ones that look like dust...left side of the picture) are likely not viable and will therefore, unfortunately, not germinate.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come back in about three weeks and I should have pictures posted showing the germinated seedlings!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Pj-xfe4qhU/Tnv4NWJK50I/AAAAAAAAAQs/mrWiJFMU1MQ/s1600/Immature-Seed-Pod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Pj-xfe4qhU/Tnv4NWJK50I/AAAAAAAAAQs/mrWiJFMU1MQ/s320/Immature-Seed-Pod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w529JNfFLkE/Tnv4V0_TO9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/_WH1RrAA3ZY/s1600/Ripe-Pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w529JNfFLkE/Tnv4V0_TO9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/_WH1RrAA3ZY/s320/Ripe-Pods.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2JoTMQI4jY/Tnv4cdvF08I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/rP7q2PEPvvE/s1600/Seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2JoTMQI4jY/Tnv4cdvF08I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/rP7q2PEPvvE/s320/Seeds.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-45209795237912339162011-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:002011-10-16T21:43:00.162-07:00Here's a tip for you...grow Interlude!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Interlude, (4935) 08/09/1982 (Eyerdom) Double silver-blue lavender star/white fluted edge. Glossy, ruffled. Standard, is one of the best tipped blossom varieties ever hybridized. Unlike many tipped blossomed varieties that lose their tips in the heat of summer, Interlude shrugs off the dog days of summer and delivers a brilliant boutique of blossoms richly tipped in deep lavender.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I periodically offer starter plants and leaf cuttings of this variety on eBay. My eBay store is <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Hoovers-Hybrids">http://stores.ebay.com/Hoovers-Hybrids</a> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVsyemz4fxI/TpuyR14jsAI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/quxxCy712oU/s1600/Interlude_WM_BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVsyemz4fxI/TpuyR14jsAI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/quxxCy712oU/s320/Interlude_WM_BB.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-81192853566120893782011-08-09T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-09T19:54:50.803-07:00Stand Your Ground!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just what I needed, another stand! This makes six! Does anyone really need six stands? Probably not but for some of us, we just can't help ourselves.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, I bought another chrome food & beverage cart at Costco ($84) and added three lights from Home Depot ($29.86 each) plus Natural Light T8 bulbs ($35 for 10 bulbs). I haven't moved anything to the top shelf yet which is why it isn't pictured.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been selling quite a few strepts in my gift store and really needed a stand that I could focus growing them on. These stands come with five (5) shelves but I only put three up so I could get some space between the plant and the light fixtures. Similar stands growing my miniature violets have four shelves. I can grow 54 strepts in 4" Oyamas with this configuration. I sell about 20 - 25 plants a month in the store so I just need to keep up with the rotation so I don't run out! What you don't see is another stand (with four shelves) that has several hundred starter plants just waiting for their turn at the "Big Stand".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you need/want a stand - these chrome stands are very economical and work very well. Give one a try!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5KiPKIF1g/TkHymja_eLI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ons5LybCi8s/s1600/Strept-Stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5KiPKIF1g/TkHymja_eLI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ons5LybCi8s/s320/Strept-Stand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-91226399097283274262011-08-09T18:47:00.000-07:002011-08-09T18:47:12.064-07:00What's Blooming - Kohleria 'Manchu'<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't grow many of the "Other" Gesneriads but when I say this one pictured I thought, what the heck...give it a try. WOW! This thing never stops blooming, produces vigorous new growth/chutes and seems pretty hardy. It also doesn't seem to be overly sensitive to my inconsistent watering schedule. Not growing any Kohlerias? Give this one a shot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ler1VS5dlc4/TkHjEY8VRnI/AAAAAAAAAQU/HsHEIsgFfm4/s1600/Manchu_WM_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ler1VS5dlc4/TkHjEY8VRnI/AAAAAAAAAQU/HsHEIsgFfm4/s320/Manchu_WM_B.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-13125617907783816982011-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:002011-08-07T17:30:05.049-07:00What's Blooming - Streptocarpus Bristol's Black Cherry<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This blossom is so dark, creamy and rich that it should be adorning some delicious dessert! The foliage is just about as dark as the blossom. A compact grower with a simply stunning blossom. The foliage is neat and tidy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNiGcPgQAro/Tj8t_wkkFtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/9bfswazmilk/s1600/BBC_WM_Blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNiGcPgQAro/Tj8t_wkkFtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/9bfswazmilk/s320/BBC_WM_Blossom.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-17871548575932966842011-08-07T17:28:00.000-07:002011-08-07T17:28:03.472-07:00What's Blooming - Streptocarpus Butter Blues<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just love a blue/yellow combination and this one doesn't disappoint! It does grow a bit on the larger side so if you're looking for something in the compact range this may not be the variety for you.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2HEGjWc6pc/Tj8tfcRVAmI/AAAAAAAAAQI/V5Y9-adqljc/s1600/BB_Blossom_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2HEGjWc6pc/Tj8tfcRVAmI/AAAAAAAAAQI/V5Y9-adqljc/s320/BB_Blossom_WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABgB856ts9k/Tj8tftSQlRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IeV5Ec7DKZU/s1600/Plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABgB856ts9k/Tj8tftSQlRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IeV5Ec7DKZU/s320/Plant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-71204774235839518762011-08-07T17:25:00.000-07:002011-08-07T17:25:23.911-07:00What's Blooming - Streptocarpus Black Tie Affair<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're looking for the ultimate center piece at your next wedding, here it is. David so appropriately named this variety. The center is a dark purple (versus black) but that doesn't matter a bit....it's one of my favorite Streptocarpus to grow. It stays quite small with very tidy foliage. The blossoms are produced freely and in good quantity.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqXY7WXcNEg/Tj8s0PgfkrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r5LxlrWtWAI/s1600/BTA_Blossom_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqXY7WXcNEg/Tj8s0PgfkrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r5LxlrWtWAI/s320/BTA_Blossom_WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xToPuyh8G88/Tj8s5Cq0wiI/AAAAAAAAAQA/oR1kT0VpSkw/s1600/BTA_Plant_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xToPuyh8G88/Tj8s5Cq0wiI/AAAAAAAAAQA/oR1kT0VpSkw/s320/BTA_Plant_WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-45929996889265595182011-08-07T17:22:00.000-07:002011-08-07T17:22:33.388-07:00What's Blooming - Streptocarpus Franken Amy<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is quite possibly my favorite blossom on a Streptocarpus. It's just delicious! If there is a prettier bloom I haven't found it yet!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMTnqEetH48/Tj8sHHBPJXI/AAAAAAAAAP4/8DDJCfwW1bM/s1600/Franken-Amy_B_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMTnqEetH48/Tj8sHHBPJXI/AAAAAAAAAP4/8DDJCfwW1bM/s320/Franken-Amy_B_WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-14262508760246418322011-07-08T16:32:00.000-07:002011-07-08T16:33:09.979-07:00Second Bloom - True as the first<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I believe I'm just about ready to officially announce the first chimera blossom ever to appear on a streptocarpus. The blossom below is the 2nd blossom to appear and is also showing the distinct middle stripe. Even more exciting is this bloom is on a completely different leaf on the plant.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ_SDT8KQnI/TheTX7m1lgI/AAAAAAAAAPw/Werc8BsJIYw/s1600/2nd-Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ_SDT8KQnI/TheTX7m1lgI/AAAAAAAAAPw/Werc8BsJIYw/s320/2nd-Flower.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9mNK1-YWAY/TheTpd2IWPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/umibc6aa_gY/s1600/Sport_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9mNK1-YWAY/TheTpd2IWPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/umibc6aa_gY/s320/Sport_WM.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-2781898469256183802011-07-02T05:52:00.000-07:002011-07-02T05:52:40.836-07:00Heartland's Peacock - coming soon to eBay<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dale Martens, the hybridizer of Heartland's Peacock, was kind enough to give me a start of this plant earlier this year. I put down numerous leaf cuttings and I'm pleased to report I will have starter plants to offer in September/October. Stay tuned!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jW7_B9hyRY/Tg8UcMEhO8I/AAAAAAAAAPs/Q5jqdR_ANQw/s1600/Peacock_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jW7_B9hyRY/Tg8UcMEhO8I/AAAAAAAAAPs/Q5jqdR_ANQw/s320/Peacock_WM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289653051819405814.post-62775465904198527202011-06-28T22:01:00.000-07:002011-06-28T22:02:45.456-07:00I'm pregnant....sort of<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm back at it making my annual early summer crosses which normally start to produce flowering sized plants around Christmas...what a great Christmas present to myself! I'm far too picky about what I ultimately release which is why you don't see much in the way of new introductions from me. I do have a few things showing great promise right now so look for something new from me in the spring.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is Alan's Fallen Angel holding a few seed pods from various pollen donors. If memory serves I put Baby Brian, Cirelda and Dancin' Trail onto it this year. Time will tell.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's some general information on crossing. Once you pollinate the seed parent it takes approximately four (4) months for the seed pods to mature. After I harvest the seed pods from the parent I normally store them for about 10 days to fully dry/ripen. I then sow them onto a dampened seedling starter mix with a tight, clear cover and place them about 8" below my florescent lights. Germination normally occurs within 7-27 days.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So yes, it's almost a full year from initial cross to seeing if you've developed anything interesting. Definitely not a hobby for the inpatient!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1YJvxO0_5g/Tgqxj4zNd2I/AAAAAAAAAPo/MmfqLbW5OiQ/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1YJvxO0_5g/Tgqxj4zNd2I/AAAAAAAAAPo/MmfqLbW5OiQ/s320/three.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span>hoovershybridshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15840780398849128997noreply@blogger.com0