Angelonia Propagation

Propagation by Seed

• Small angelonia seeds are produced in pods and should be harvested in late summer, allowed to dry and stored in envelopes before being planted in spring. Start seeds about six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Provide the seeds with a suitable, well-drained germination medium and at least low light, which they require in order to germinate. Seeds generally germinate in one to two weeks. Angelonia grown from seed can take up to 14 weeks to produce flowers.

Propagation Using Cuttings

• Nonpatented cultivars can be easily propagated by taking and rooting tip cuttings. Take cuttings from the tips of stems about six weeks prior to the first fall frost, dip the base of the cuttings in a rooting hormone and place the cuttings in a suitable medium within an environment that provides bottom heat and high humidity. Cuttings will take root quickly and become well-rooted within a few weeks.

Root Division

• Angelonia can be propagated by dividing the root mass. This type of propagation may be most suitable in warm climates where angelonia can be grown as a perennial or in cooler climates where there is adequate space indoors to overwinter the plants in containers. To divide the plants in this manner, simply dig up the roots and cut them into plants of the desired size. In warm areas, these plants can be placed into the ground immediately. In cold regions, plant the divided angelonias in pots and overwinter them in a sunny, warm area indoors. Cut the plants back once flowering has stopped and reduce waterings so that the soil dries slightly between waterings.

Cultural Requirements

• Once seedlings or cuttings have become established and are growing vigorously, they can be pinched back to encourage branching and compactness. This is important, depending on the cultivar, as certain types of angelonia can grow tall and lanky, tipping over if they are not staked or planted tightly. Provide angelonia with as much sun as possible. Angelonia will benefit from the application of a balanced fertilizer.