Agapanthus is a showy addition to any sunny flowerbed, with abundant green foliage underneath tall stems holding white or blue blossoms. Agapanthus is a member of the lily family, and the foliage and blossoms resemble daylily plants. Although growing mature agapanthus plants from seeds is a lengthy process, the garden show will be worth the wait.
Select a growing area that receives full daily sunlight or partial daily sunlight. Work the growing area in the spring when all danger of frost has passed. Use the garden spade to work the soil to a depth of approximately 5 inches. Add a 1-inch layer of compost to the top of the soil and work this in with the spade. Rake the soil smooth to finish preparing the area.
Plant the agapanthus seeds just under the soil, spacing each seed between 17 and 23 inches apart. Water the seeds well and keep them moist during the germination period. Agapanthus seeds take 20 to 90 days to sprout as long as the temperature is at least 70 degrees.
Monitor the seedling growth and keep them regularly watered during the first growing season. Insert your finger into the soil and water if the upper 3 inches of garden soil are dry.
Fertilize agapanthus twice per month during the growing season. Mix the fertilizer with water according to package recommendations.
Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch around the base of the plants in the autumn to provide winter protection. Remove the mulch the next spring.
Divide the plant every three to four years by digging up the roots during the dormancy period. Divide the roots in half with a garden spade and replant immediately with the crowns 2 inches below the soil level. Water the agapanthus generously after replanting.
Things You Will Need
- Compost
- Garden spade
- Rake
- Agapanthus seeds
- All-purpose fertilizer (water-soluble)
- Shredded mulch (bark or leaves)
Tip
- Agapanthus is hardy to USDA Zones 8 through 11. In colder zones, plant the agapanthus in containers and bring the containers indoors over the winter months. Place the container in a sunny location and only water enough to keep the soil lightly moist over the winter months. Gradually move the container outside the following spring by placing it in direct sunlight for increasing periods over approximately one week.
Warnings
- When starting agapanthus plants from seed, do not expect blooms for four growing seasons.
- Handle the sap from the stems with care because it can severely burn the skin.
