General Guide for Agapanthus Care

Generally speaking Agapanthus are an extremely hardy variety of plant, but for those of you who need some help here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Planting Depth Agapanthus only need to be planted just above the neck of the bulb. Generally 3-4 inches deep for the larger variety and about 2 inches for the dwarf varieties. Planting too deep will disadvantage the plants growth and restrict the plants divisional process.

Spacing We recommend planting 2-3 plants to the metre depending on the effect you are after. For a border you can even try planting every 30cm in a diagonal pattern for a fuller effect.

Watering Keeping water up to our Agapanthus when first planted and first established is fairly important, especially in dry areas. If you water at least once a day during this period ( 2-3 weeks ) will ensure optimum growth. Once established general rainfall is usually enough to supply the Agapanthus with it's required amount of water with the exception of very dry areas.

Fertilizer Being such a hardy plant, Agapanthus need minimal amounts of fertilizer for general growth. Applying some dynamic lifter or manure around the base of the plant will encourage strong growth and longer flowering.

Cutting Foliage Back Cutting the foliage back when first transplanting your Agapanthus can be beneficial for a few reasons, including better root development, encouraging the Agapanthus to multiply and a fuller flowering for the coming season.

Delayed Planting If you are unable to plant your Agapanthus within a few days of receiving them, we suggest that the plants should be placed upright in moist soil, sawdust or shredded paper with the roots covered in a shaded area. If this can not be done, wrap the plants in moist newspaper or heishein in a cool spot.

Removing Seed Heads Removing seed heads is optional, doing this will prevent the spread of unwanted seeds and non-desired colors occuring in the future years. (eg, Blue plants appearing in a hedge of white plants). An Agapanthus grown from seed is unlikely to flower for 2 - 3 years.

(Information is intended as a guide only)

Planting Guide for Tube Stock

Watering and Removing your plant from its container

Your tubes may require a water when you first receive them. Using a broken stream of water, eg. spray nozzle or watering rose, make sure they are wet from the top right through to the bottom. We advise that you also water your plants thoroughly approx. ½ hour prior to planting, this is to assist removing your plants from its container and also to help it establish in the ground.

1. Gently remove the polystyrene plug
2. Water and leave for ½ hour
3. To remove your plant, place your fingers either side of the plants stem,
   covering the top of the container so no potting media falls out. Turnt the container upside down and with your other hand gently squeeze the sides and bottom of the container and then lift away from the plant
4. Plant in your prepared area
5. Remember when they are in the ground settle them with a good water

Planting Depth

When you are planting the soil level should be equal to that of the media in the tube. Planting too deep could cause rotting and the death of your plants, raised planting may be a good idea in boggy areas (building the soil up from its normal level to increase drainage).

Fertilizing

Your plants already contain a small amount of slow release fertilizer. This should last them 6 – 8 weeks after purchase. When they do require feeding again we would recommend a slow release fertilizer such as Osmacote or Nutracote, or an organic product such as Dynamic Lifter or Organic Life. These products should be used as directed.

Please note: Do not put fertilizer straight in to planting hole, as this will most likely burn the roots, and kill the plant.

Delayed Planting

If you are unable to plant straight away, your containers can be kept together in a safe place. They must be kept in a moist and partly sunny position away from hot afternoon sun and also kept well watered.

(Information is intended as a guide only)