Question
I am getting ready to re-pot most of my African violets into self-watering pots, as well as add in a special soil mixture for violets. I wonder if I can add Osmocote slow release pellets to the soil mix.  I have some which I purchased for my other houseplants.  For my violets I have always used a water soluable fertilizer such as Peter's or Optimara, but since I was repotting anyway, I wondered if Osmocote would be at all acceptable.  The analysis of the Osmocote product I have is 19-6-12.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
No, don't put the Osmocote 19-6-12 in your African violets.
Some good reasons why. . . African violets are very sensitive about their soil. Things like, too wet, or too dry, or too much fertilizer can easily damage them.  It is harder to tell how much and when they are getting fertilized when it is in the soil. They are a plant that needs to have a rest period between blooming. This is a time when they need less water, and no fertilizer. If it is in the soil, it would not be possible to regulate.
The next thing is, this is the wrong fertlilizer. The one you mentioned is high in nitrogen. This is a good one for your non-flowering plants. For flowering plants, the first number should be the lowest, or zero. This low number encourages the plant to flower, instead of growing mostly leaves from the high nitrogen.
You should find an African violet fertilizer. It has an acid formula that they prefer. Use it sparingly only when it looks like they need the extra boost. Because they are in a small pot, with very little soil, and the roots are confined to a very small space, they do not need more then a small drop per plant. If you have just given them fresh soil, they shouldn't need any fertilizer for several months or a year.
I only fertilize mine once in the spring.