Agapanthus, also known as the Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is a popular flowering plant known for its beautiful globe-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. In this article, we will explore the different stages of the agapanthus plant’s growth cycle so you can understand what to expect as your plant matures.
Stage 1: Germination
The growth journey of an agapanthus plant begins with germination when the seed starts to sprout. This process takes between 2-6 weeks and requires a warm humid environment with temperatures around 70°F. Sow agapanthus seeds just below the soil surface at a depth of 1 inch and keep the soil moist. As the seed germinates, a tiny root will emerge first, followed by the beginnings of the first foliage leaves. Proper germination results in a healthy seedling ready to start growing.
Stage 2: Seedling Growth
In the seedling stage, the baby agapanthus plant focuses on root and leaf growth The first leaves to emerge are round and fat for storing nutrients The plant bolts with its first thin, upright foliage leaves next. Seedlings grow slowly and need consistent moisture and light. Transplant outdoors once the plant has 3-4 leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Select a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Stage 3: Vegetative Growth
The vegetative stage lasts 1-2 years and involves rapid leaf growth. The strap-like foliage will fill out, growing up to 2 feet long. Established agapanthus prefer full sun locations. Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. Water 1 inch per week in summer and reduce watering in winter. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.
Stage 4: Flowering
Mature, well-established agapanthus will flower in summer on tall stalks called scapes. The first bloom occurs around 3 years from seed. Flowering stalks emerge from the plant’s center and can reach up to 5 feet tall depending on variety. Lavender-blue spherical flowers appear in clusters at the top of each scape. Agapanthus flower in succession with new blooms opening as old flowers fade. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Varieties with white or pink flowers are also available.
Stage 5: Dormancy
After flowering ends, agapanthus enter dormancy, a rest period through fall and winter. The foliage dies back as the plant stores energy in its underground roots and rhizomes. Withhold watering and fertilizer until new growth resumes in spring. Dormancy is a necessary part of the agapanthus lifecycle that rejuvenates the plant for the next bloom season. Cut back old foliage before new leaves appear.
Stage 6: Reblooming
As temperatures warm in spring, agapanthus emerge from dormancy. New strap-like foliage unfurls from the center. Flower scapes follow shortly after. Established plants may rebloom on and off all summer long with proper care. Promote repeat flowering by promptly deadheading spent blooms. Divide congested clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
With an understanding of the different stages of growth, you can provide the right care at each phase to keep your agapanthus thriving year after year. Pay close attention to the plant’s needs including sunlight, water, fertilizer, and occasional division. Your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful display of blue or white blooms summer after summer.
Frequency of Entities:
Agapanthus: 27
plant: 24
growth: 16
stage: 15
flower: 11
leaf: 7
seed: 5
Water: 5
Foliage: 4
Bloom: 4
Seedling: 2
Germination: 2
Scape: 2
Vegetative: 2
Dormancy: 2
Rebloom: 1
Sow: 1
Seedling: 1
Transplant: 1
Mulch: 1
Deadhead: 1
Rhizome: 1
Clump: 1
Divide: 1
Lifecycle: 1
Emerge: 1
Unfurl: 1
Promote: 1
Vigor: 1
How to grow Agapanthus
My first day off yesterday, in just short of a year, and I got to spend it ogling at pretty flowers with the marvellous Debora who lunches with me irregularly, and shares my passion for extremely bad television.
We were at the RHS Spring Show – that vast hall, with the concentrated scent of new fresh growth, punctuated by narcissi, hyacinth, mimosa…depending on where you are standing.
I am a sucker for spring…I cannot tell you how many bluer-than-blue corydalis, whiter-than-white anemones; how many tiny pots of scented pelargoniums I have bought at these shows – they totally see me coming. This year I was utterly sidetracked though, by Agapanthus. Hoyland Plant Centre, who hold the National Collection of Agapanthus, had a stand, complete with a lovely, geeky table explaining the different stages of growth, and (crucially) small plants in 9cm pots, and divided sections of larger plants, which I can actually afford.
We went upstairs and sat down to listen to Steve give a talk on Agapanthus, and, as usual, I learned more from this twenty minute question and answer session than Id gleaned from years of reading books or internet. One person with a passion, who knows his subject inside out and is able to explain it in plain English – the whole audience was rapt.
Caring for agapanthus – Golden Rules
FAQ
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