How to Grow Agapanthus (African Lily) and Care
1. Ideal Place to Grow Agapanthus
• Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily). In warm climates, they prefer partial shade.
• Soil: Fertile, moist and well-drained. Note: Agapanthus africanus prefers acidic soils.
• Pots: Choose pots that are wider than deep, as the rhizomes need lateral space more than depth.
• Season: Spring, after frost, with soil temperatures ≥ 10 °C.
• Depth: Plant the rhizomes 5 cm deep and leave 30-45 cm between each one.
• Technique: Place the pointed ends upwards, cover with soil and water.
• Protection: In cold climates, add mulch around them to protect from the cold.
3. Aftercare
Watering
• During growth: Regular watering to maintain moisture.
• Established plants:
o Summer: 2-3 times per week.
o Winter: Once every two weeks.
Fertilization
• Fertilize in spring and two months later.
• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers; use balanced formulas such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, or rich in phosphorus.
• Stop fertilizing in late summer.
Pruning
• Remove wilted flowers to encourage new shoots and avoid wasting energy on seeds.
• Leave the leaves after flowering so the bulb stores energy through photosynthesis.
4. Common Problems
• Lack of flowering:
o Excessive shade.
o Cold climate.
o Lack of protection during winter.
5. Winter Care
• In areas with temperatures above 0 °C: Rhizomes may remain in the soil.
• In cold areas:
o Dig up rhizomes before the first frost and pot them up indoors.
o Keep pots in a bright spot with temperatures of 12-15°C.
o Minimal watering: Keep the soil barely moist.
This schedule will help you care for and enjoy your agapanthus, ensuring they bloom year after year. If you have questions or need more details on any point, let me know!