Seed Treatment:
• Store seeds in the refrigerator (not freezer) until ready to sow.
• Do not store at room temperature for extended periods, as seeds lose viability quickly outside of cool conditions.
• Before sowing, soak the seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours to rehydrate and soften the seed coat.
When to Sow:
• Spring is best for stored seed, particularly in cooler climates.
• Sow once risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).
Sowing Instructions:
• Sow in deep trays (minimum 10 cm) using a mix of 50% river sand + 50% fine compost.
• Sow thinly, as seedlings will remain in trays for their first year.
• Lightly press seeds into the surface and barely cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the medium moist but not soggy and place in semi-shade (avoid direct sunlight).
• Germination takes 6–8 weeks, sometimes longer.
Light Requirements:
• Maintain bright, indirect light for germination and young seedlings.
• Mature plants thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil, enriched with organic matter.
• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5.
Watering:
• Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
• After germination, allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Spacing & Transplanting:
• Year 1: Leave seedlings in trays.
• Year 2: Transplant into individual pots.
• Year 3: Move to final location—garden beds or containers—spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.
Growing Tips:
• Flowering begins in the third or fourth year from seed.
• Known for stunning flower umbels on tall stalks.
• Excellent for containers, borders, and Mediterranean-style gardens.
• Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11—in colder zones, overwinter indoors.
More information can be found at this website: https://pza.sanbi.org/agapanthus-praecox