Flowering plants are delightful additions to all kinds of spaces - indoors and outdoors - and Ageratum is not exception. The stunning, fuzzy blooms of this low maintenance flowering plant make it an attractive plant in gardens while also allowing you to start creating your own mesmerizing pollinator garden.
Buy Ageratum Seeds
Before you decide to start growing Ageratum from seed, here's everything you need to know about it:
• What Is Ageratum?
Ageratum, commonly referred to as Floss flower, is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. The most common species grown in gardens is Ageratum houstonianum.
This annual plant is prized for its dense clusters of small, fluffy flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, white, and pink. Ageratum flowering plants are relatively low-growing, typically reaching heights of 6 to 24 inches, making them ideal for borders, garden beds, and containers.
One of the appealing qualities of Ageratum is its long blooming season, which lasts from late spring until the first frost.
• Benefits of Ageratum Flowering Plant
Apart from their fluffy blossoms and vibrant colors, the Ageratum flowers and plants are also known for a lot of their other benefits. Here are a few of them that you should know about:
1. These Flowers Attract Pollinators
The vibrant and fluffy blooms of these flowering plants are often very fragrant and work wonderfully to attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This will allow you to start on creating your own pollinator garden, benefitting not just you and your garden but also its direct environment.
2. Easy to Grow
These stunning flowering plants are easy to grow from Ageratum flower seeds. Whether you're new to the world of gardening or have been here a while, these seeds will not disappoint with their resilience and adaptability. They germinate within 8-10 days and do well once established.
3. Low Maintenance
Once matured, Ageratum flowering plants are easy to grow and maintain. They do not require too much of your time and attention, doing well with very little maintenance needs.
4. Vibrant Blooms
Ageratum flowers are vibrant and wonderful to look at with their fluffy appearance, giving you the instant feel of a cottage garden. These blooms can instantly make you feel better on a gloomy day and be your light in the dark on days when the sun doesn't shine bright enough.
• How to Grow Ageratum from Seed: Getting Started
Starting Ageratum flower seeds is a rather simple process if you know what you're doing because with the right care, these seeds grow in no time at all. So, here's what you need to know about planting Ageratum seeds:
1. Timing
Start planting Ageratum seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. What you must know is that Ageratum flower seeds need warmth to germinate, so starting them indoors ensures they get a good head start.
2. Soil Preparation
One of the best mixes that you can use to grow seeds is simply Cocopeat. This is a soilless mixture made naturally from coconut husk and provides the ideal space for seeds to grow and develop, giving them enough space to grow and root.
3. Sowing the Seeds
Scatter the ageratum flower seeds on the surface of the soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.
4. Watering
When watering, ensure that you only water enough that the soil remains moist but waterlogged. Mist the soil lightly with water to moisten it.
5. Providing Heat and Light
Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C). A sunny windowsill or under grow lights will work best. Ageratum seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
6. Transplanting
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperatures have warmed up, you can transplant them into the garden. Space the plants about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
• Ageratum Plant Care: Caring for the Mature Plant
While low maintenance, the Ageratum flowering plant still needs some of its basic needs met in order to thrive and do well. So, here are a few care tips to keep in mind to ensure that your plant does well:
1. Watering
Just like during the germination stage, remember to water your mature plants just enough so that they continue to have moist but not waterlogged soil. Water them when the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry and not every day, as overwatering can cause root rot and plant death.
2. Fertilization
Feed your Ageratum plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks to encourage continuous blooming and healthy growth. When growing in containers, you can also use Ugaoo's Plant Food Bloom Sticks. Simply insert one stick into the potted plant's soil, away from the stem and near the roots. This will keep your plant properly fertilized for the next 60 days!
3. Deadheading
Deadheading and pruning spent flowers is an essential part of caring for flowering plants. This will allow you to extend and prolong the bloom period of the Ageratum flowering plants and also encourages better blooms.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Ageratum is generally resistant to pests, but it can occasionally suffer from aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or Neem Oil to manage these pests. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
With the right know-how and understanding of the plants you're growing, you can grow them as and where you wish. So, how will you be growing your Ageratum flowers this time?
