How do I make African violets bloom and how often does it happen?

Hi Deborah, the violets like an east window for light, indirectly, and use African violet food in their water. Not too much water. They can have continuous blooms with the right light and water. Good luck!

https://www.espoma.com/flowers/6-steps-to-keep-african-violets-blooming/

Do NOT over water. Use the weight system. Pick up the pot after watering and feel how heavy it is ; water again when it feels light. They like bright indirect light and will bloom several times a year.

African violets need bright light, but direct afternoon sunshine can burn them. If you don’t have the right area, you can supplement with a fluorescent light fixture (about 10-12 inches from the plants). Here’s a great set of tips to get those blooms.

https://www.espoma.com/flowers/6-steps-to-keep-african-violets-blooming/

small pot so roots are crowded

Good afternoon Deborah! This is a fabulous article with every aspect of African Violet care and blooming. Enjoy!

https://www.optimara.com/africanvioletcare1.html

http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2012/11/my-african-violet-growing-guide/

https://wizzley.com/african-violet-in-bloom/

http://www.avsa.org/faq-blooming#

https://www.optimara.com/africanvioletcare1.html

Deborah,

BTW, if you have a gas stove, do not place African Violets in the kitchen. The fumes emitted when the gas stove warms up are toxic to them!

I had my violet in the kitchen under the florescent light (under the cabinet and I have an electric stove. When I bought them, they were blooming...I repotted them very carefully into a african violet pot (reservoir for water) and they bloomed for months and months.