Ann, you are definitely on the right track! Don't worry about the wetness of the potting mix as long as you have at least 1 part of each peat, perlite, and vermiculite. It doesn't hurt to go a little heavier on the perlite when you are wicking. The perlite provides air spaces for the roots.

If one starts to get wilty even though it is moist, then you may have an issue with the soil being too moist, but don't worry at this point.

Good luck!

Barbara

Thanks Barbara, I just walk around the house smiling because everyone seems so happy and everyone that I know around here ( they don't have violets) have been trying to get me not to grow them saying they are so hard that they stopped growing them, they didn't think I had the time and so on but on this forum I got encouragement and help and so thanks to ya'll I am a happy violet grower.
Ann

Hi Ann,
I'm happy to hear of your success. AV's have had a bad rep for many years simply because people did not have the right mix. I am sure if you give a plant to a non believer with a wick and a reservoir that they will have success also.
Happy growing.
Fred in NJ

I can't even begin to tell you how many times people have told me that "violets are hard to grow". The answer is so simple - lighten up the potting mix!

Aha - know-how is a great thing. You read a couple of books, you ask people and participate in forums - and in no time you are anticipating your first show.

(Something like if you try everything and it still doesn't work - it is time to read a manual..)

i.