African lily 'Basutoland'

Keep in mind when planting that Basutoland is thought of as half hardy, so remember to watch your frost dates and ensure you have this plant protected when the temperature dips.

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.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Basutoland is a half hardy plant.

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