Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus

Planting Tips

For summer growing & summer flowering bulbs, sow the seed in early spring in a sandy soil mixture (2 parts fairly coarse sand to 1 part compost, leaf mould or peat), with just enough sand on top to cover the seed. Do not add manure.

In the northern Hemispere I would sow late Sept to October. Your mix is correct. They sometimes take up to 6 weeks to germinate.. The temp at that time of the year would be fine. Keep away from frost in first year.

It may help germination if you pre-chill the seed. Sow the seed in trays or pots, cover with a plastic bag, & place in the fridge for 3 weeks. Then germinate at about 18 to 20°C. This is not essential, but it helps germination of those bulb seeds that lie dormant in the cold soil all winter.

Keep in a warm but shady position, & while actively growing, keep damp. The bulbs will probably go dormant in late summer. After this, do not over water as they will rot.  Seedlings are best left in the seed trays or beds for two seasons before planting out. Evergreen species require water throughout the year.

For winter growing spring flowering bulbs sow the seed in autumn, in the same soil mixture as above.  Do not place seeds in a glass house or heated house.  They require fluctuating temperatures, i.e. cool to cold nights (10°C) and warm days (22°C) to stimulate germination.

The seeds will germinate, the plants will grow in the winter, & most will flower in spring & early summer. The plants will go dormant in summer – again do not over water while they are dormant.

Most bulbous plants are best grown in pots or containers.  If you live in an area that has cold winters, most of them will need protection during the winter, unless they are hardy and/or dormant.  In Mediterranean areas, summer growing bulbs may need protection from the winter rain.