The flowers of the African lily grow in clusters at the end of long stalks and have a beautiful blue colour. They can grow up to a height of 1,5 meters and can flower continously in the summer months. The species orginates from South Africa, where it mainly grows along the coast on poor, rocky soils. For that reason the roots are unbelievably tough and prefer a well draining soil with regular watering. It is good to keep them in a tight container, so the flowering can be more exuberant. The species can withstand a few degrees of frost when it has reached a certain age, but it is still advised to protect them in the winter. Young plants can best be kept indoors or somewhere frost-free in a cool, light place and older plants could stay outside in less harsh winters with a layer of mulch to protect them. The decorative long leaves stay green in winter, which makes it an elegant plant in all seasons.  
 
Sowing description: Soak the seeds for 24 hours in water and then sow them in a mix of sowing mix and sand (1:3). Cover them with plastic foil or glass and keep the soil lightly moist. Germination usually occurs after 3-8 weeks at 22-30dgC. 

Familiy Amarayllidaceae
Scientific naam: Agapanthus praecox
English name: African Lily
Native to: South Africa

Sowing time: December - May
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Celsius