With their upright habit and umbels of star-shaped blue, violet or white flowers, agapanthus add an elegant touch to gardens and terraces. Agapanthus are rhizomatous perennials native to South Africa. There are around ten species. More or less hardy, they can withstand temperatures ranging from -5 to -15 degrees.

Adorned with strap-like leaves measuring 10 to 35 cm, deciduous or evergreen depending on the species, they can reach heights of 30 cm to 1.50 metres. They flower from May to September. Easy to grow, they love sun and well-drained soil. They require watering in summer and, depending on the species, protection from frost in winter.

To propagate them, dividing the rhizomes is the quickest method. They can also be grown from seed, but it will take around 4 years before the plants flower.

successfully sowing agapanthus seeds

Where to sow agapanthus?

Agapanthus seeds can be sown under cover in a bright location.

When to sow agapanthus seeds?

Sowing is best done in late winter or early spring, in March-April.

How to sow agapanthus?

  • In late summer, collect seeds from faded flowers and allow them to dry.
successfully sowing agapanthus seeds

Use the clearly visible black seeds from dried agapanthus flower heads

  • The following spring, sow them in a seed tray filled with seed compost, making sure to space them well. Cover with a thin layer of compost, then place at a temperature of 18°C. For best results, place the tray in a polythene bag. Water lightly to moisten the compost without making it soggy.

  • After 3 weeks to a month, seedlings will emerge. When they can be handled, prick them out into pots around 7 cm in size, using a mix of half compost and half sand. Keep them under cover, watering moderately to avoid waterlogging.
  • Six months later, repot them into larger pots around 13 cm in size.
  • Keep them sheltered until the following spring, when you can start acclimatising them outdoors for 10 to 15 days, choosing a sunny spot.
  • After this phase and once frosts have passed, plant the rhizomes in the ground at a depth of 5 cm, spacing them 38 to 45 cm apart. Choose a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Good to know: as the seeds come from cross-pollination, the flowers may not be identical to the plant from which they were collected.

Discover our complete guide on growing agapanthus and Agapanthus: 7 reliable varieties