Lily of the Nile also known as African blue lily or agapanthus is a stunning ornamental plant that produces beautiful blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white. Though native to South Africa, these beauties thrive in gardens across the world. Growing lily of the Nile from seeds is an easy and rewarding way to add this elegance to your outdoor space.
An Overview of Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile belongs to the genus Agapanthus which includes seven species of perennial flowering plants. Most varieties grow clumps of long, strap-like leaves and send up tall flower stalks topped with umbels of trumpet-shaped blooms. The flowers generally last throughout the summer, lighting up gardens with their vibrant colors.
These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil Once established, they’re quite drought tolerant Lily of the Nile is winter hardy in zones 7-10 but potted plants can be overwintered indoors in colder climates. With their long-lasting beauty and easy care, it’s no wonder gardeners worldwide cherish agapanthus.
Sowing Lily of the Nile Seeds
One of the easiest ways to add this gorgeous perennial to your garden is by planting lily of the Nile seeds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully starting agapanthus from seed:
Acquire Fresh Lily of the Nile Seeds
The key is obtaining high-quality, fresh seeds. Reputable online retailers like Outside Pride and Plant World Seeds offer agapanthus seeds of named cultivars suitable for sowing.
Prepare Seed Trays
Fill clean seed trays or pots with a quality potting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.
Sow the Seeds
Agapanthus seeds need light to germinate so just press them gently into the soil surface without covering.
Maintain Consistent Moisture & Warmth
Water lightly to keep the soil moist, not soggy. Lily of the Nile seeds germinate best at 70-75°F. Consider using a seedling heat mat.
Watch for Seedlings
Germination takes around 2-5 weeks. Thin overcrowded seedlings to give plants room to grow.
Transition Outdoors
Once they have a few sets of true leaves, begin acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant into the garden after all danger of frost.
Growing Gorgeous Lily of the Nile Plants
With proper care, those sprouted seeds will soon become gorgeous, flowering lily of the Nile plants:
Sun and Soil
For the best blooms, plant lily of the Nile in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Amend clay soils with compost.
Watering
Water young plants regularly until established. Mature agapanthus tolerate drier conditions but still appreciate weekly watering during growth and bloom.
Hardiness Considerations
In zones 7-10, lily of the Nile can remain in the ground year-round. Apply mulch in colder zones to protect the roots from freezing. Potted plants should be moved inside before temps drop below 50°F.
Dividing Overcrowded Clumps
Mature agapanthus clumps benefit from division every 4-5 years. This also helps stimulate flower production. Replant the healthiest divisions and discard the center.
Cutting Back Foliage
For deciduous varieties, wait until spring to remove last year’s foliage. Trim old leaves from evergreen types anytime to maintain a tidy appearance.
Enjoying Luscious Blooms
With proper growing conditions and care, the lily of the Nile plants started from seeds will reward you with abundant blooms:
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Agapanthus flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bringing wildlife to your garden.
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Use the elegant blooms for gorgeous, long-lasting cut flowers. The spherical umbels add unique texture.
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The strappy leaves and tall stalks of flowers make striking accents in borders, beds, containers, and poolside plantings.
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Dwarf varieties in pots are ideal for front steps, balconies, and patios. They’re easier to move indoors for winter.
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Evergreen types add year-round structure. Some have variegated or purple-hued foliage for extra interest.
Growing your own lily of the Nile from seeds is deeply satisfying and provides amazing results. Give this beauty a spot in your garden and enjoy the gorgeous, fuss-free blooms year after year.
Quick Facts About Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile is also known as African Blue Lily. It is slow to bloom, typically taking around 2 – 3 years when grown from seed. But these blooms are worth the wait, as they are a rare and precious source of blue color for the summer garden!
Plant indoors 4 – 6 weeks before the last frost. Or, start directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
How to Plant Lily of the Nile
- You have two options for planting seeds: Sow them directly into the garden, after the risk of frost has passed, by covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
- Presoak seeds overnight before planting 3 seeds per cell or plant.
- Once seedlings sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light by placing them on a sunny windowsill or positioning them 3-4 inches below fluorescent plant lights that are switched on for 16 hours daily and off for 8 hours at night. Adjust the lights as the plants grow taller. Avoid using incandescent bulbs as they generate excessive heat. Remember, most plants need a period of darkness to thrive, so do not keep the lights on for 24 hours.
- Transplant into garden when temperatures are consistently warm.
- Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, its essential to “harden them off”. This involves acclimating young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered outdoor area for about a week. Initially, shield them from strong winds and direct sunlight. If theres a risk of frost overnight, either cover the plants or bring them indoors, then return them outside in the morning. This hardening off method helps strengthen the plants cell structure, minimizing transplant shock and sun damage.
- Space plants 18 inches apart in garden.
- Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
- Mulches play a vital role in preserving soil moisture and ensuring consistent soil temperatures. When it comes to annuals, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves not only enhances the appearance of the bed but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential rot issues.
- Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water once the top inch or so of soil feel dry to the touch. Do not overwater.
- Deadhead faded flower stalks by cutting down to the base of the plant. This will help further the blooming period.
How to sow Agapanthus Seed- 2 Minute Tips
FAQ
Can you grow Lily of the Nile from seeds?
Growing Lily of the Nile seeds is easy to do, but it requires patience. When started from flower seed, Lily of the Nile will bloom after two or three years and then for many, many years to come.
How do you collect seeds from agapanthus?
collect seeds when the seed head is becoming brown and the capsules are starting to burst. rub them between your hands gently so that all the seeds. fall out or you can cut the stalk of the base and do it indoors. once you’ve extracted the seeds from their pods. grab a tray and add some compost.
Can I grow agapanthus from the seeds?
Agapanthus can also be propagated from seed, however the resulting plants will be different from their parents. In fact each one will be unique, so you might get a gem among the seedlings. Despite being easy to grow, agapanthus are occasionally subject to problems.
Can lily of the valley grow from seeds?
How To Grow Lily Of The Valley From Seed. Less common and lengthier than propagating lily of the valley by division, starting it from seeds might be the only way to grow an unusual variety. The seeds need at least two months of cold stratification to germinate.