*2.8. Hardening and Acclimatization of In Vitro Plantlets*

Media traces from the roots of *A. violaceum* regenerated by different methods from seed explants were removed by thoroughly washing under tap water. The plantlets were then transplanted into jiffy pots composing a mixture of sterilized loamy soil, coco-peat, and vermicompost (1:1:1). The plantlets in the jiffy pots were enclosed in transparent polybags for 2 wks to ensure adequate humidity and were maintained in a growth chamber. After 3 wks, the hardened plantlets were transferred into a net-shade greenhouse for further acclimatization. Well-established plantlets were then transferred into the Kashmir University Botanical Garden (KUBG) and were kept in the shade with occasional watering. The phenotypic data, including the plant height, leaf number, floral bud numbers, and survival rate, was determined for up to 8 wks.
