African lily 'Back in black'

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.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. Keep in mind when planting that Back in black is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures. Ideally plant in loamy, sandy and potting mix soil and try to keep the ph of your soil between the range of 6.6 and 7.8 as Back in black likes to be in weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil.

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 20°C / 68°F to ensure good germination.

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

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

¹ The Flower Expert: Agapanthus

² Agapanthus praecox on PlantzAfrica

³ Agapanthus on Seedaholic