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Brush Strokes Viola

Grow log by Sher · Original thread

10 visual updates13 photos36 replies
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CropViola
VarietyBrush Strokes Viola Pansy
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Harvest
Plants2
AudienceExperimental

What you can learnA useful mixed flower result showing that blooming can occur despite poor germination, uneven growth, and eventual environmental decline.

Actions:1 Pruning
Useful practices
  • waiting through slow establishment
  • monitoring two distinct flower forms
  • removing yellow leaves
  • considering reservoir replacement and relocation
Problems encountered
  • very poor germination
  • extremely slow growth
  • uneven light height
  • yellow central leaves
  • possible low humidity or excessive fan drying

*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.

Day 62
UPDATE#10
Grower update

Update #10

Actions taken

PruningPinched out most of the yellow central leaves.

S By Sher

The small viola died. The larger one was not doing well. All the leaves in the center had turned yellow, apparently from lack of light So I pinched out the yellow leaves. I still have some yellow ones in the rear. In a couple of days I will pinch them out. The plant has plenty of nutes, so I'm not sure why it is struggling. I can't lower the lights due to the flower stalks. Here it is after pruning most of the yellow leaves.
Conversation
C
campingcorgis

So sorry to hear this news. Hoping you will figure it out sooner rather than later!

S
Sher

The last one is almost dead. I am thinking maybe it is too dry in my house. Neither of the two that germinated ever thrived. Sad, because they were so beautiful. I have a fan in that area for the peppers, and maybe that caused too much moisture loss.

Day 57
UPDATE#9
Grower update

Update #9

S By Sher

Apparently, I got two different types of viola seeds. One has flowers on long stalks. The other one is smaller and has flowers down in the foliage. It is dying. So I will probably move the larger one into Kratky to free up the Harvest.
Conversation
C
campingcorgis

Oh, dear! Do you think trying an R&R might save the little one? I had a pepper plant try to pull something similar. Did an R&R and the next day, you wouldn't have known there was an issue the day before!

S
Sher

I may do a last ditch R&R today to see if it helps.

Day 52
UPDATE#8
Grower update

Update #8

S By Sher

The small one is finally blooming. It is not doing as well as the larger one -- probably because the light is too high to accommodate the taller one. But look at the color of its flowers!
Conversation
S
Shawn

Pretty, I like that it is different in color.

C
campingcorgis

Wow! That is super pretty! I used to grow Johnny Jump Ups every year in pots, along with other flowers, that I used to add color in the yard. But that was down in California, before my knees gave a big pop, one day, while weeding in the yard. Now, my knees and I appreciate the "raised beds" of AGs, in the warm comfort of the house in the PNW! I may have to try some Brush Strokes Viola, one day! Too many seeds, so few AGs...

P
petunia

These are breathtaking!!

S
Sher

Thank you, Petunia. Good to see you again!

Day 47
UPDATE#7
Grower update

Update #7

S By Sher

The first bud appeared on the small plant. Once that happens, the flower stalks shoot up fast!
Conversation
C
campingcorgis

The colors are just wonderful. Do you remember those spinning paint art that one would see at carnivals and the like? I think the colors of the brush strokes viola would be great inspiration for an art piece!! Yes, I grew up in the 60's...what do you expect?

M
maskedsonnet

I'm totally obsessed with that yellow/purple combo, these are so pretty!!! *_*

S
Sher

campingcorgis, yes, I remember. And those centers would be perfect art inspiration! maskedsonnet, we have the regular everyday violas (johnny jump ups) growing wild here. They are pretty and sweet. But these violas are vivid and dramatic. Such a beautiful surprise!

C
campingcorgis

Agreed!!!

Day 45
UPDATE#6
Grower update

Update #6

S By Sher

More blooms!
Conversation
S
Shawn

OMG, how did I miss this one. Beautiful flowers.

Day 43
UPDATE#5
Grower update

Update #5

S By Sher

The larger plant is blooming! And the big blossom is hiding more behind it. Thanks for the seeds, ERR0R1755.
Conversation
M
maskedsonnet

What a beauty!!

E
ERR0R1755

That looks amazing! How tall is it?

C
campingcorgis

Beautiful!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

S
Sher

It is tiny. To the top of the flower it is 4-1/4".

E
ERR0R1755

Sounds like I found a new Sprout project

S
Sher

Be warned. It's slow. The smaller one is still not blooming yet. But they are worth waiting for.

Day 37
UPDATE#4
Grower update

Update #4

S By Sher

The little violas are very slow growing but they are finally starting to take off. I am thinking about planting chives behind them because I think the tall, spikey foliage would look nice with them.
Conversation
C
campingcorgis

I think chives will look great with them! Flowers must be very complicated as Mother Nature keeps them in the slow lane for quite some time!

S
Shawn

That may look nice, just be sure that if the flowers start to widen you may have to move the chives. I have seen other AG'ers even take the AG pod and place it in a glass next to the machines and it too off. But I say go for it and try

S
Sher

Yes, the violas grow so slowly, it's easy to forget that they won't stay tiny forever. Maybe I'll go with one chive pod and move it when it starts to get crowded.

Day 20
UPDATE#3
Grower update

Update #3

S By Sher

Two of the violas are thriving, although they are very slow growing. I have 4 Chinese broccoli in with them until I can get them transplanted.
Day 2
UPDATE#2
Grower update

Update #2

S By Sher

So far, it looks like only two of the violas will make it. I will give them a few more dsys. If no more sprout, I will move these little guys and free up the Harvest for another project.
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update

Update #1

S By Sher

The two violas on the far right are finally up. Fingers crossed the others make it.
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