Full Sun
Low
Agapanthus prefers a neutral, well-drained, moderately fertile soil4. Soil that is too rich promotes lush, soft growth that is prone to winter damage4. 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 conditions4. Keep well watered during the growing season. Yellow leaf tips indicate overwatering4.
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first year’s growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system4. After that, it only needs water when the top 3 inches (~7 cm) of soil is dry4.
Divide the clumps every 3 years or so, in spring4.
For a neat appearance, remove old foliage4
Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. Keep in mind when planting that Zambezi is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures. Ideally plant in loamy and sandy soil and try to keep the ph of your soil between the range of 6.8 and 7.8 as Zambezi 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 regions2.
Seed should be sown in deep (10 cm) trays (as they will stay in these trays for at least a year), 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 months4. 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.
Seed must be kept in the refrigerator or it will perish2.
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 Zambezi is a hardy plant.1 :The South African Gardener’s Survival Manual; first published 1985
2 Agapanthus praecox on PlantzAfrica