A Brief
History of African Violets

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African Violets were first discovered in East Africa in 1892. In the next few years, they were introduced into Germany and Britain. The first commercial plants were cultivated in Germany. Seeds from Germany and Britain started the interest in the U.S. during the 1920's.

The original African Violets were very difficult to cultivate. However, modern hybrids have made it easier to grow and maintain. The first U.S. commercial hybrid, Blue Boy, came on the market in 1927.