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Agapanthus is a gorgeous plant, but unfortunately, it carries a hefty price tag. The plants are easy to propagate by division if you have a mature plant, or you can plant agapanthus seed pods. Agapanthus seed propagation isn’t difficult, but keep in mind that the plants likely won’t produce blooms for at least two or three years. If this sounds like the way to go, read on to learn about propagating agapanthus by seed, step by step.
Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is a popular flowering plant that enhances gardens and landscapes with its elegant floral displays. Propagating agapanthus is an easy way to multiply your plants for free. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different methods for propagating agapanthus successfully.
Why Propagate Agapanthus
Propagating agapanthus allows you to
- Get more plants for free
- Propagate rare or hybrid varieties
- Maintain plant vigor by dividing overcrowded clumps
- Share plants with friends and family
- Fill your garden quickly with mature plants
When to Propagate
The best time to propagate agapanthus is in early spring before active growth begins or in fall after flowering. This gives the divisions time to establish before summer heat
Methods of Agapanthus Propagation
There are several effective methods for propagating agapanthus
Division
Dividing established plants is the easiest method for propagating agapanthus.
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Carefully dig up the entire plant. Shake off excess soil.
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Use a sharp, sterile knife or garden fork to separate the rootball into divisions. Each division should have 3-5 healthy shoots.
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Cut away any dead roots or stems.
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Replant divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing 12-18 inches apart.
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Water well and add a layer of mulch.
Plantlets
Many agapanthus varieties produce new plantlets called offsets around the base of the plant. These can simply be detached and replanted.
Seeds
Growing agapanthus from seed is more challenging but a great option for propagating hybrids.
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Collect seeds when seed heads turn brown. Dry, then store in a cool place.
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In spring, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover with soil.
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Keep soil moist and provide bottom heat of 70°F until germination in 2-3 weeks.
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Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting into garden after all danger of frost.
Tissue Culture
For commercial propagation, agapanthus are cloned from plant tissue cultures under sterile lab conditions. Not practical for home gardeners.
Caring for Newly Propagated Agapanthus
To help newly propagated agapanthus become established:
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Water deeply twice a week until well rooted.
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Stake up any floppy growth until stronger.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
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Watch for pests like aphids and treat any infestations promptly.
With proper care, your new agapanthus divisions and plantlets will flourish. Avoid transplanting or dividing agapanthus more than every 2-3 years, as frequent division reduces flowering.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If your propagated agapanthus struggle, here are some common issues and solutions:
Rotting divisions – Ensure soil drainage is excellent and avoid overwatering. Discard any rotten divisions.
Offsets not rooting – Gently remove offsets with attached roots and growth buds. Plant in well-draining soil.
Seeds not sprouting – Check seeds are fresh. Provide warm soil temperatures. Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
Leggy seedlings – Provide bright light immediately after germination to keep seedlings compact.
Transplant shock – Carefully dig up and transplant on a cloudy day. Water deeply after planting.
Propagating Different Agapanthus Varieties
While all agapanthus can be propagated by division, some varieties propagate better from seed or offsets.
Lily-flowered agapanthus – Produce many offsets that can simply be removed and replanted.
Standard agapanthus – Divide mature, crowded clumps to propagate.
Dwarf agapanthus – Often grown from seed as they produce few offsets.
Variegated agapanthus – To preserve leaf variegation, propagate by division.
Hybrid agapanthus – Best propagated by seed to preserve hybrid traits.
Follow the techniques in this guide for success propagating the different agapanthus varieties.
Harvesting Seeds of Agapanthus
Although you can purchase agapanthus seeds and you’ll know exactly what color to expect, it’s easy to harvest seeds of agapanthus when the pods turn from green to pale brown in late summer or autumn. Here’s how: Once you have removed the agapanthus seed pods from the plant, place them in a paper bag and store them in a dry location until the pods split open. Remove the seeds from the split pods. Place the seeds in a sealed container and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
Fill a planting tray with good quality, compost-based potting mix. Add a small amount of perlite to promote drainage. (Be sure the tray has drainage holes in the bottom.) Sprinkle agapanthus seeds on the potting mix. Cover the seeds with no more than ¼-inch (0.5 cm.) of the potting mix. Alternatively, cover the seeds with a thin layer of coarse sand or horticultural grit. Water the trays slowly until the potting mix is lightly moist but not soaking wet. Place the tray in a warm area where the seeds will be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours per day. Water lightly whenever the surface of the potting mix is dry. Be careful not to overwater. Move the trays to a cool, bright area after the seeds germinate, which usually takes about a month. Transplant the seedlings into small, individual pots when the seedlings are big enough to handle. Cover the potting mix with a thin layer of sharp grit or coarse, clean sand. Overwinter the seedlings in a greenhouse or other protected, frost-free area. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots as needed. Plant the young agapanthus plants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in spring.
How to: propagate Agapanthus orientalis
FAQ
Do agapanthus spread from cuttings?
Can I grow agapanthus from seed heads?
Are Agapanthus easy to propagate?
Agapanthus is a gorgeous plant, but unfortunately, it carries a hefty price tag. The plants are easy to propagate by division if you have a mature plant, or you can plant agapanthus seed pods. Agapanthus seed propagation isn’t difficult, but keep in mind that the plants likely won’t produce blooms for at least two or three years.
How do you replant Agapanthus?
Replant the divided sections in well-drained soil. Propagating Agapanthus from seed is another option, but it takes longer than division. It also requires more patience and care. Collect mature seeds from the plant after flowering. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix.
How do you grow Agapanthus seeds?
Seeds can easily be harvested if the flowers of an existing Agapanthus are left to develop into pods, and seeds are allowed to mature. These are typically ready to collect in July or August, and you can sow these as soon as you collect them. Seed pots or trays are then prepared, and filled with a seed starting potting mix.
Is Agapanthus hard to grow?
Agapanthus is a gorgeous plant, but unfortunately, it carries a hefty price tag. If you have an adult plant, it’s easy to make more by dividing it, or you can plant agapanthus seed pods. It’s not hard to grow agapanthus plants from seeds, but keep in mind that the plants probably won’t bloom for at least two or three years.