How to Grow Agapanthus from Seed – A Complete Guide

Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is a popular ornamental plant grown for its attractive clusters of blue or white flowers Native to South Africa, agapanthus is winter hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and can be grown as perennials in these regions

While agapanthus can be propagated from divisions, planting agapanthus seeds is a great way to add these beauties to your garden or grow new varieties from seed With a bit of patience and proper care, you can have agapanthus plants blooming within 2-3 years when grown from seeds.

Why Grow Agapanthus from Seeds?

Here are some key reasons to grow agapanthus from seeds:

• Lower Cost – Buying pre-grown agapanthus plants can be expensive. Starting from seeds is cheap and you can grow a large number of plants.

• New Varieties – Growing from seeds allows you to develop new varieties with different flower colors and plant habits.

• Stronger Plants – Plants grown from seeds are healthier and better established compared to purchased potted plants.

• Fun Project – Watching the seeds sprout and baby plants grow is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for gardeners.

When to Plant Agapanthus Seeds

Agapanthus seeds require warm soil temperatures to germinate. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is mid to late spring after the danger of frost has passed.

In regions with long growing seasons, seeds can also be started in fall. Just make sure to grow the seedlings in containers and move them to a protected area over winter.

How to Collect Agapanthus Seeds

Collecting seeds from existing agapanthus plants in your garden or neighborhood is a simple way to get free seeds. Here are some tips:

• Identify seed pods on spent flower stalks in late summer or fall. The pods turn yellowish-brown when ready.

• Enclose the mature, dry pods in a paper bag and allow them to split open naturally. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.

• Remove the small, black agapanthus seeds and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until planting time.

How to Grow Agapanthus from Seeds

Follow these simple steps for successfully growing agapanthus from seeds:

1. Prepare Seed Trays

Fill seed trays with a lightweight, well-draining potting mix formulated for starting seeds. Ensure the trays have drainage holes at the bottom. Disinfect the trays before use to prevent fungal disease.

2. Sow Seeds & Cover Lightly

Sow agapanthus seeds on the soil surface. Space them 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch apart. Cover the seeds lightly with 1⁄4 inch potting mix or coarse sand.

3. Maintain Warmth & Moisture

Keep the seeded trays in a warm place with day temperatures of 65-70°F. Provide bright, indirect light. Cover trays with plastic to maintain even moisture and humidity.

4. Allow Seeds to Germinate

Agapanthus seeds usually begin to germinate in 4-6 weeks when kept warm. Gradually expose seedlings to more direct light.

5. Transplant Seedlings

Once the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into individual containers like small pots or cell packs using a well-draining potting mix. Handle the tiny seedlings carefully by their leaves, not the stems.

6. Grow on Seedlings

Grow on the young agapanthus plants, gradually increasing pot size as they grow. Move outdoors once night temperatures are above 50°F. Shelter from direct sun initially.

7. Plant Outdoors

Transplant agapanthus plants into the garden after the last spring frost. Space 18-24 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

8. Wait for Flowers

With proper care, agapanthus grown from seeds will flower in 2-3 years. Be patient for the first blooms! Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.

Common Problems When Growing Agapanthus from Seeds

Here are some potential issues and how to resolve them:

• Poor Germination – Ensure warm temperature, sufficient moisture and good contact between seeds and soil. Scarify hard seeds with sandpaper.

• Leggy Seedlings – Provide adequate sunlight and use fans to strengthen stems with air circulation.

• Fungal Diseases – Avoid overwatering and wet foliage. Allow good airflow. Use fungicides if needed.

• Pests – Watch for aphids and thrips. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for control.

• Slow Growth – Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Repot into larger containers as needed.

Tips for Growing Healthy Agapanthus from Seeds

• Use fresh seeds each season for best germination rates. Discard any old seeds.

• Keep seeds moist but not soaked for the first 4 weeks after sowing until radicle emerges.

• Gently press larger seeds like agapanthus into the soil surface rather than just sprinkling them on top.

• Transplant seedlings on a calm, cloudy day to avoid wilting. Water seedlings well after transplanting.

• Grow new varieties from seeds collected from hybrid agapanthus plants to enjoy new colors and forms.

• Pinch back seedlings once they are 8 inches tall to encourage bushy, compact growth.

Enjoy an Abundance of Lilies of the Nile

With proper care, you can easily grow agapanthus from seeds and enjoy drifts of these elegant beauties in your garden for years to come. The seed-grown plants will quickly establish and start flowering within a few seasons.

Starting agapanthus from seeds is affordable, fun and lets you try out new varieties. Check your seeds periodically for viability. Sow fresh batches every couple of years before older seeds lose germination ability.

With the satisfaction of growing agapanthus from seed, you’ll have an abundant, long-lasting supply of these garden gems!