Full Sun
ORDappled Sun
Medium
Both subspecies of Agapanthus africanus are difficult to grow. A africanus subspecies africanus is not suitable as a garden plant except in rockeries. They are best grown in containers in a well drained, slightly acid sandy mix and appear happiest if pot bound. They seem to grow best in shallow containers and will flower regularly if fed with a slow release fertiliser.1
A. africanus subsp. walshii is by far the most difficult agapanthus to grow1. The best medium appears to be a very well-drained, sandy, acid mix with minimal watering in summer. It can only be grown as a container plant and will not survive if planted out. It is unfortunate that it is so hard to grow because it is most attractive when in flower and would make an excellent pot plant.1
Both subspecies can be propagated by fresh seed. The seed germinates best if sown in a well-drained seed mix and lightly covered. The seed trays should be placed on heated beds under a mistspray set for about five minutes twice a day. Germination takes place in 4 to 6 weeks and the trays should then be removed to a lightly shaded area. Good results will also be obtained when the trays are placed indoors or outdoors in light shade and watered twice a day, provided the day time temperature is higher than 18° Celsius1.
These estimates for how long African agapanthus takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 1 days | Min 1 days | Max 1 days (1)
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The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek agape, meaning love, and anthos, meaning flower, translating broadly as the flower of love1. The species name africanus means “from Africa”, referring to its natural habitat. The synonym Agapanthus umbellatus refers to the umbel-shaped flowers.
Lily of the Nile, African lily, African tulip, African hyacinth, Cape lily
Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns, Agapanthus umbellatus, Agapanthus tuberosus, Agapanthus minor, Abumon africanum, Tulbaghia minor, Tulbaghia heisteri, Tulbaghia africana, Mauhlia umbellata, Mauhlia linearis, Mauhlia africana, Crinum floridum, Crinum