How Old Is an Agapanthus Before Blooming?
On a mature agapanthus, rounded clusters of bell-shaped blooms in blue, blue-violet or white top long, bare stalks above leaves. The age of an agapanthus for first flowering depends on its variety, growing conditions and how it was propagated. Agapanthus orientalis, which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is native only to southern Africa.
Agapanthus orientalis is a subspecies of Agapanthus praecox. Agapanthus orientalis and Agapanthus africanus are the only evergreen species of agapanthus. Other varieties are deciduous, losing their leaves and going dormant over the winter. Agapanthus generally has long, fleshy green leaves curving out from the plant's center. The plants grow from 2 to 4 feet high and come in variegated and dwarf versions. They generally bloom in summer and may begin blooming in spring in warm conditions.
Mature evergreen agapanthus produce side shoots. Cutting the new plants off the parent plant once they develop a root system gives you starter plants to pot. In six to eight months you can transplant the new plants into the garden. The new plants generally flower in two to three years. Another form of division commonly used to propagate agapanthus is dividing rhizomes, the fleshy, bulblike material at the plant's base. You can divide agapanthus rhizomes yourself with a spade at the end of the blooming cycle or buy them from a grower. Depending on the variety of agapanthus, a plant grown from a mature rhizome may bloom during its first year or require another year or two to mature. Division ensures agapanthus is true to the type of the parent plant.
Growing agapanthus from seed requires the most patience, as it can take years to see the first flowers from the new plants. You plant the seeds in late summer or in the fall, and they sprout in six to eight weeks. They're usually grown in trays, then potted and transplanted into the garden in the third year. Generally agapanthus grown from seed will reach maturity and bloom in three to four years.
A transplanted agapanthus, or a mature plant shipped from a grower, might not bloom for a year while it adapts to its new location. Although an established agapanthus can tolerate drought, in nature the plants grow along waterways, so they prefer moist soil. It's particularly important to water young plants regularly to help them grow deep root systems. Rich soil with organic compost, full sun and regular, deep watering support flower production. Dividing agapanthus every four years stimulates a strong blooming season.
- Plantzafrica: Agapanghus Praecox
- Bruce and Sharon Asakawa's California Gardener's Guide; Bruce Asakawa, Sharon Asakawa
Gryphon Adams began publishing in 1985. He contributed to the "San Francisco Chronicle" and "Dark Voices." Adams writes about a variety of topics, including teaching, floral design, landscaping and home furnishings. Adams is a certified health educator and a massage practitioner. He received his Master of Fine Arts at San Francisco State University.