Growing Gorgeous Lily of the Nile from Seeds

Lily of the Nile, also known as African lily or Agapanthus, is a beloved ornamental plant known for its elegant, spherical flower heads in vibrant shades of blue, purple, and white Though often purchased as nursery plants, starting lily of the nile from seeds is a rewarding way to add these beauties to your garden

In this comprehensive guide. we’ll share tips and techniques for successfully growing lily of the nile from seeds covering key topics like

Lily of the nile seeds produce perennial plants belonging to the Agapanthus genus native to South Africa. They feature long, strap-like green foliage and rounded flower heads composed of dozens of petite, tubular blooms.

Popular lily of the nile seed varieties include:

• Headbourne Hybrids – Large blue or white flower heads on tall 3-4 foot stems
• Streamline – Dwarf variety under 2 feet tall with blue-purple blooms
• Peter Pan – Early bloomer with white flowers under 2 feet tall
• Sapphire – Mid-sized blue blooms on 20-24 inch stems

Lily of the nile seeds are large, round, and black. They have a hard outer shell and can remain viable for 1-2 years when stored cool, dry, and dark. Fresh seeds offer highest germination rates.

When and How to Plant

Lily of the nile seeds require warmth and light to sprout. Start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost for best results.

Here’s how to plant the seeds:

• Fill starter flats or cell trays with sterile, well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the soil.
• Plant 2-3 seeds per cell, pressing them gently into the soil. Lightly cover with 1/8 inch more mix.
• Maintain a soil temperature of 70°F – 75°F for germination.
• Keep seeds consistently moist until they sprout in 2-3 weeks.
• Once sprouted, move to a sunny window or grow lights.

Caring for Lily of the Nile Seedlings

Young lily of the nile plants need steady moisture and protection while establishing. Follow these seedling care tips:

• Water regularly to keep soil slightly moist, not saturated.
• Apply dilute liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
• Maintain warm 70°F temperatures until seedlings emerge.
• Move to a cooler 65°F area with sun exposure after sprouting.
• Transplant into 3-4 inch pots when secondary leaves appear.
• Gradually introduce to outdoor conditions over 7-14 days by setting pots outside temporarily.

Transplanting Outdoors

Lily of the nile seedlings can be moved into garden beds or larger containers when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.

Follow these transplanting guidelines:

• Harden off seedlings for 7-14 days before transplanting.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart in beds amended with compost.
• Or plant one per 12-inch pot with drainage holes using potting mix.
• Water deeply at transplant and offer afternoon shade for 1-2 weeks.

Ongoing Care

With attentive care, seeded lily of the nile will develop into mature, flowering specimens:

• Site in full sun to partial shade. Provide afternoon shade in hotter climates.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
• Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
• Remove spent flower stems after blooming concludes.
• Mulch plants in autumn for winter protection in zones 7 and below.
• Divide mature, pot-bound plants every 3-4 years to rejuvenate them.

Getting Lily of the Nile to Bloom

From seeds, lily of the nile typically takes 2-3 years to reach blooming maturity. Here are tips to encourage abundant flowers:

• Site in full sun, providing at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
• Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage over flowers.
• Allow pots and beds to fully dry out for 6-8 weeks in fall to trigger dormancy.
• Divide and repot mature plants every 3-4 years to maintain blooming vigor.

With proper seed starting practices, attentive care, and optimal bloom conditions, seeded lily of the nile will develop into stunning, long-lived garden specimens. Though it requires patience for seedlings to mature and flower, the wait is well worth it for these exotic beauties!

Starting lily of the nile from seeds may require more time than buying plants, but it offers unmatched reward as you nurture your very own flowers from seed to bloom. With this complete growing guide, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to successfully grow these elegant plants from seed.