How to grow African Lily

Agapanthus prefers a neutral, well-drained, moderately fertile soil¹. Soil that is too rich promotes lush, soft growth that is prone to winter damage¹. Keep in a warm position, sheltered from wind. This is a waterwise plant that tolerates a variety of sun conditions – from full sun, to shade, although some sun is needed for optimal blooming. If your climate is very hot, try growing under partial shade conditions¹. Keep well watered during the growing season. Yellow leaf tips indicate overwatering¹.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first year’s growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system¹. After that, it only needs water when the top 3 inches (~7 cm) of soil is dry¹.

Divide the clumps every 3 years or so, in spring¹.

For a neat appearance, remove old foliage¹

In countries with a cooler climate e.g. Northern Europe. Agapanthus benefit from growing in pots. Constricting the roots promotes flowering and tender varieties can be more easily moved to shelter during the winter months

Propagation from seed is a slow process. Sow the seeds in late summer to autumn, in warm climates, or early spring in colder regions.

Seed should be sown in deep (10 cm) trays, in a mixture of equal parts river sand and fine compost, and kept semi-shaded and moist. Fresh seed germinates readily within 6 to 8 weeks² but can take up to 3 months¹. Germination can be erratic: between 30 to 90 days. The majority come up at 30 to 50 days, but don’t throw away the pots too soon, you may have a couple of “latecomers” ³.

The seed should be sown thinly as the seedlings will stay in the tray for their first year. Seedlings should be potted up into individual containers during their second year and can be planted into the garden or permanent pots in their third year. Flowering can be expected from their third or fourth year².

It is easier to propagate by splitting an existing clump after flowering

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 20°C / 68°F to ensure good germination.

Plant in winter or spring, taking care not to damage the fleshy, brittle roots ¹.

When Transplanting from a container to the ground tap the container to loosen up the soil and spread the root system or slice the roots with a garden knife in three or four spaces, if root bound. The hole should be the same level as the plant was growing in the container. Transplanting is best done in late spring or early autumn. It is recommended not to divide African lilies too often.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 0°C / 32°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as African lily is a half hardy plant.

Seed can be sown fresh, in late summer – autumn, but in cold climates it can be kept refrigerated (not frozen) and sown in spring. The seeds are highly perishable, and must be kept in the refrigerator³.

These estimates for how long African lily takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek agape, meaning love, and anthos, meaning flower, translating broadly as the flower of love¹.

Agapanthus, African hyacinth, Lily of the Nile, Cape lily

Agapanthus L'HÈr.

¹ The Flower Expert: Agapanthus

² Agapanthus praecox on PlantzAfrica

³ Agapanthus on Seedaholic

⁴ :The South African Gardener’s Survival Manual; first published 1985

⁵ Growing Day Lilies in Australia