What causes Frozen In Time to revert to Frosty Frolic? Is there a way to stop this? Pembroke What causes sporting? Genetics, intense hybridization and growing conditions to name the most likely suspects. A violet that has been highly manipulated through hybridization carries genetics that are more complicated and thus more unstable than the original species or one that has not been as extensively bred. As a rule of thumb-the 'fancier' a violet is-chimera, fantasy, etc., the more likely it is to sport. Genes that are hidden can begin to express themselves. Often all it takes is a small bump-like our cold winter-to nudge these genes out of hiding. Is there a way to stop this? Not really. Plants will grow as they will. The easiest way to handle this is to enjoy their spontaneity and unpredictability. Irina recommends taking a leaf from any new plant so you always have a back-up. This may help keep a FIT for you. Or the leaf could sport. Who knows? Personally, I think your mother's plant sounds awesome. How about a picture? Linda

Frosty Frolic Diana

Fantastic photo of an unbelieveable plant Fred in NJ

You won't believe this. They were seriously frozen in time. Then maybe 2 or 3 weeks ago my dogs knocked over a container. "Which container?" I hear you ask in a concerned voice. THE container. Of all my Takions she knocked over the only one with 3 seedlings. The other 3 jugs only have 1, and I WS 20 blues and 40 whites!! That's 6 seedlings out of 60 seeds. I couldn't believe it. But, I found the disaster soon and gingerly potted them again. You wouldn't believe the long long long long (but very thin) root on these babies. They were tiny 2-leafed seedlings and the roots were probably 3 inches long. THAT'S what they've been doing the whole time! I don't like the soil I sowed them in as I think it is compacting too much, and once I freed them from that soil the root leaves began to grow a bit, and now all three have one true leaf coming in. Amazing! The other seedlings still look the same. Maybe this weekend I'll knock them over, too. I do have one brand new seedling in a jug. woo hoo. That's 7 out of 60. Officially better than 10% now. I'm glad yours are growing. Brings tears to my eyes and gives me hope. I don't know if I'll ever WS another Campanula persicifolia again. I check the jugs EVERY DAY. I've lost a bit of my mind. I've lost a bit of my mind. I've lost a bit of my mind. Am I repeating myself? As I said, I think the suspense has been mentally damaging. At the rate they're going they should be ready to plant out around August.