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. If this sounds good, keep reading to find out how to grow agapanthus from seeds, step by step.
With their spherical flowerheads atop tall slender stems, agapanthus make a stunning addition to any garden. These South African natives, also called African lilies, bloom through summer in hues of blue, purple, or white. Mature plants multiply into large, handsome clumps that thrive with minimal care.
The best part is that growing agapanthus from seed is surprisingly easy With some basic knowledge of their needs, you can grow these beauties from seed to flowering plant in just a couple seasons
When and How to Harvest Agapanthus Seeds
To start seeds, you first need to collect ripe agapanthus seeds:
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Wait until seed pods start turning brown and splitting open, usually in mid to late summer after bloom time.
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Snip off whole mature seed heads once the lower pods burst.
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Place seed heads in a paper bag and store in a warm, dry spot for 1-2 weeks. The warmth helps the pods fully open and release their small black seeds.
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Alternatively, spread pods on a screen or sheet to dry, collecting any seeds that fall out.
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Separate the dry seeds from the debris. Store extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Long Do Agapanthus Seeds Last?
Fresh agapanthus seeds have the highest viability. However, properly stored seeds remain usable for 1-2 years. For best germination rates, sow seeds within a few months of harvest. Discard any that are more than 2 years old.
When to Plant Agapanthus Seeds
You can sow agapanthus seeds in spring or fall. Spring planting takes advantage of the entire growing season to produce larger seedlings by fall. Fall planting works in mild winter climates or if you plan to overwinter the seedlings indoors.
Tips for Planting Agapanthus Seeds
Follow these tips to successfully start agapanthus from seed:
Provide a seed starting mix
Use a light, sterile potting mix formulated for seed starting, which drains well and is low in nutrients. Or make your own mix of half potting soil and half perlite or coarse sand.
Allow room for growth
Sow just a few seeds per individual cell or pot. Agapanthus seedlings don’t like to be overcrowded.
Plant seeds shallowly
Barely cover the seeds with 1⁄4 inch of soil or less. Agapanthus need light to germinate.
Maintain warm temperature
Keep the planting mix evenly moist and the seeds at 70-75°F until sprouted. Move to a sunny spot or use a heat mat.
Water carefully
Avoid overwatering, but don’t let planting mix dry out completely. Use a spray bottle to mist gently.
Thin ruthlessly
Clip off all but the strongest seedling in each pot or cell once sprouted.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Planting Agapanthus Seeds
Follow these simple steps for the highest seed starting success:
Step 1: Prepare containers
Select cell packs, flats, or small pots with drainage holes. Sterilize to kill any bacteria or fungi.
Step 2: Moisten seed starting mix
Fill containers with moistened mix, firming it down slightly. Level and smooth the surface.
Step 3: Sow seeds
Sprinkle 5-6 seeds evenly over the soil surface per cell or pot.
Step 4: Cover seeds lightly
Sift just 1⁄4 inch of mix or vermiculite over the seeds. Pat down gently.
Step 5: Enclose containers
Set containers inside a plastic bag or dome to boost humidity until sprouted.
Step 6: Provide heat
Place in bright indirect light at 70-75°F. A heat mat helps maintain optimal temperature.
When Do Agapanthus Seedlings Sprout?
With proper care, most agapanthus seeds germinate within 10-30 days. Seedlings emerge as tiny grass-like sprouts. Growth is quite slow at first. Thin out all but one strong seedling per cell or pot once sprouted.
Transplanting Agapanthus Seedlings
Young agapanthus appreciate regular moistness. Once established, they tolerate drying out between thorough waterings:
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Spring planting – Gradually harden off and transplant seedlings into the garden after the last frost. Provide shade if transplanting small plants on hot days.
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Fall planting – Grow the seedlings indoors through winter in a sunny window. Plant out into the garden the following spring after hardening off.
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Potting up – When roots fill their containers, shift vigorous seedlings into 3-4 inch pots using potting mix amended with compost. Repot into larger containers as needed.
Ongoing Care of Agapanthus Started from Seed
To keep your homegrown agapanthus thriving:
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Water thoroughly when soil is partly dry. Established plants tolerate some drought once rooted.
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Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in spring and summer. Avoid high nitrogen that encourages leggy growth.
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Situate in full sun to light shade. Plants grown in too much shade tend to flop over when blooming.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years in fall or spring to rejuvenate. Replant the healthiest sections.
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Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. Leave space around crowns.
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Cut off spent flower stalks after bloom. Prune leggy stems back to a healthy node to improve form.
When Will Agapanthus Seedlings Flower?
With attentive care, well-grown agapanthus started from seed often begin blooming by their second summer. However, some types may take an extra year or two to build up sufficient energy reserves to flower. Mature plants bloom faithfully every summer once established.
Starting agapanthus from seed is incredibly gratifying. In less than two years, you can grow a flowering plant, and in a few more seasons propagate even more from the seeds that it produces! With their low maintenance nature and stunning blooms, homegrown agapanthus started from seed make exceptional garden specimens.
Harvesting Seeds of Agapanthus
The seeds of agapanthus are easy to get when the pods change from green to pale brown in late summer or fall. You can buy agapanthus seeds and know exactly what color they will be. To do this, take the agapanthus seed pods off the plant, put them in a paper bag, and keep them somewhere dry 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. Put the tray somewhere warm where the seeds will get at least six hours of sunlight every 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 sow Agapanthus Seed- 2 Minute Tips
FAQ
How long does agapanthus take to grow from seed?
Do agapanthus like sun or shade?
Should I cut seed pods off agapanthus?
How to grow Agapanthus from seed?
Read our simple steps on growing agapanthus from seed, below. Extract the seeds from their pods. They should fall out easily. Sow them straight away. When you have sown the seeds, cover the compost with sharp grit. When seedlings have strong shoots and roots, knock them out of the tray and separate.
Which soil type is best for propagating Agapanthus from seed?
The soil type that is best for propagating Agapanthus from seed should be light and well-draining. A soil that is too heavy or has poor drainage can cause the seeds to rot before they are able to germinate. A soil with too much clay can also cause the plants to become root-bound and stunt their growth.
How do you propagate Agapanthus?
The two ways to propagate agapanthus are from seed and by root division. It takes some patience to grow them from seed, as they won’t flower for two to three years. Bear in mind that seeds saved from an existing plant won’t necessarily produce true to the parent plant. But it can be a fun project to try, since they’re easy to care for.
How long does Agapanthus take to grow?
Generally, the germination time can range from three weeks to three months. To plant agapanthus seeds, begin by filling a container with well-draining potting soil. Place the seeds on top of the soil, and lightly press them into the surface. Spray the soil with water until it is lightly moist. Place the container in a warm, sunny location.