The plant pictured, Shirl's Hawaiian Lei, was exhibited by Ken Muzalewski. As I understand it he's been growing African Violets for a short period (2-3 years...maybe a tad more/less).
Now, if this were the only high quality plant he entered in the show I probably wouldn't be writing this blog entry but it wasn't. Everytime he opened another box of plants he had transported to the show you could see the quality. He had miniatures, semiminiatures and some really beautiful standard size African Violets.
Why do some growers hit the ground running while others don't? I wish I knew. But its nice when they do because they create some spectacular plants to admire!
You know, the only secret to growing prize-winning African violets is constant care. That means caring for them practically every single day. Also of great importance are a good potting soil mix (slightly acid or neutral pH), adequate light, regular feeding and watering, proper potting, people temperatures (if possible), adequate air circulation, proper humidity. Finally, some plants make better show plants than others. In general, miniatures and semiminiatures are far easier to grow for show than standards. I speak from experience having won best in show awards with a miniature, semiminiature, trailer and standard (most of my dozen plus best in show wins have been with standards) and as a former senior accredited African violet judge.
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