- A VINTAGE VIOLET IS... -

I will begin by saying, "what exactly is a Vintage Violet and how is it determined that an African Violet has this designation"?

To begin, there are thousands of named African Violets that have been Hybridized by hundreds of folks.  While I am not a Hybridizer, I am aware that to do such, is a rather complex and involved process. 

Usually the hybridizer crosses two named African Violets.  The resulting plant's must be tested not only  by continued cycles of blooming true, but also by at least three generations of propagated leaves which maintain all the attributes of the new hybrid including blooming true.

One the hybridizer has successfully taken the plant and its' off spring through this arduous task, the plant can be officially named.  The names can be validated and issued by many of the African Violet Associations, one being the African Violet Association of America (AVSA).

The hybridizer can take this process one step further and register the plant through the Association.  The result will be a Registration Number and a Registration Date.

Thus, this huge number of hybrids available today, came from what are called the original 10.  Or, let us say all of our hybrids today came from those few African Violets that grew naturally in the wilds.

With all of afore said, I now can indicate what designates an African Violet as being a Vintage Violet.  While I quote information from the AVSA, I am sure that other Associations probably follow the same path/near the same path with regard to the designation.

In order to show an African Violet at an AVSA Show, etc.. and indicate it is a Vintage Violet, the Registration Date must be 25 years old or older for it to be designated as a Vintage Violet.  To Clarify: Any African Violet that is at least 25 years old since registration as of today's date, March 04, 2006.

Keeping the example date in mind, African Violets with a registration Date of March 04, 1981 would be considered as being a Vintage Violet.

So as to keep the lid on the can worms, I must share that some local Clubs, etc, consider a Vintage Violet is one that has a registration date as recent as 10 years to be Vintage Violets.  The information I provided above is to meet AVSA Standards.

Well then, how do I look at all of this.  I ahere to the at least 25 years old requirement for an African Violet to considered a Vintage Violet.  Additionally, I refer to African Violets which have registration dates of 15 - 24 years to be Near Vintage Violets.  True, the 24 year old is but a year away.  However, I believe there has to be a line drawn in the sand at some date.

You may not agree with my assessment and belief.  That is your privilege. We all have different opinions  Just be assured that I will not purchase nor sell an African Violet as Vintage Violet unless its' registration date was at least 25 years ago.  If I sell you an African Violet that falls within the 15 - 24 year time frame, I will make sure that you are aware I consider the plant to be a Near Vintage Violet.

And, as you peruse my list of available African Violets, I will always include all of the registration information that I am aware of.  The dates for Vintage Violets will be listed in Bold "Red", while the Near Vintage Violets will be just listed in Standard "Red".

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