Propagation Methods for Agapanthus

Growing Agapanthus From Seed

• Collect the seeds of Agapanthus in the fall after the blooms are spent and the seed heads mature. Immature seeds may not germinate or may produce unhealthy flowers. Dry the seeds in a shady area and store them in an airtight container until spring or when the soil temperature is 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant the seeds in a well-drained area of the garden, in rich soil. The area should receive at least eight hours of sunlight each day. Water the seeds thoroughly and apply water daily until the seeds germinate. For more tropical regions, choose an area with filtered sunlight or provide shade for part of the day when the seedlings emerge. The plants will flower in two to three years from germination. The seeds may not grow true to the parent plant.

Agapanthus in Containers

• Plant Agapanthus seeds in a container filled with a quality potting mix. Plant the seeds at a depth of one quarter inch. Water the planted seeds thoroughly and set the pot in a sunny area. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. The soil temperature should remain between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply a general-purpose plant fertilizer, diluted to 50 percent, once the seedlings have an established root system. Fertilize on a monthly basis after the plants mature. Shelter the plants from harsh weather conditions and the cold. When temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, move the planter indoors. Adapt the plant to a winter watering schedule of once per month, unless the plant shows signs of stress. Move the planter outdoors in the spring. The Agapanthus will bloom in two to three years when the plant roots fill the pot.

Plant Division

• For continuous bloom, propagate the Agapanthus through plant division. Dig the plant up during the early fall, after the blooms are spent. Separate the root clump with your fingers to untangle the rhizomes. If the roots are extremely tangled, use a serrated knife to cut the root ball into sections. Replant the Agapanthus sections in a well-drained area of the garden. Water in the division and continue watering on a weekly basis until the plant is settled. Mulch well, with organic matter, before winter.

Pests and Diseases

• The seedlings of the Agapanthus may suffer from bacterial rot if the humidity level is too high during germination and hardening off. Remove any seedlings that appear to suffer from mold or rot and discard. Mature plant leaves are susceptible to snail and slug damage. Apply a standard pest repellant during the growing season to keep damage to a minimum. If you prefer not to use a chemical application, remove the slugs by hand. If snail damage to the leaves is severe, you can cut the damaged leaves from the plant, using a sharp knife or scissors.