When to divide agapanthus for flowering in late summer or early fall is a question that almost every grower asks. The ideal time to divide your plants for flowering is either in spring or early fall when you see the new shoots springing or in late autumn when the last flowers have fallen. Some plant breeders would recommend spring or fall when to divide agapanthus, while others would prefer the middle of the fall or early spring. Agapanthus usually flower in May or June and in some areas in July. The flowering period is generally longer in southern states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas compared to those in more northern states like North Dakota and Minnesota.
Most experts would agree that the best time to divide agapanthus for flowering is late summer. Some will even go as far as to say that you should divide the plant just before the flowering period starts. But how do you know when to divide agapanthus? Well, there are two main types of this perennial. There are deciduous varieties which shed their leaves in autumn and re-grow in the winter; while the non-deciduous varieties that do not lose their leaves in autumn and bloom again in the winter.
These two main types of this plant are considered the true agapanthus, and the false one is considered the false agapanthus which is technically not a true type. It is the non-deciduous varieties that are often sold in nurseries and garden centers as true agapanthus. The difference between these two plants is that the true one will shed its leaves in autumn and re-grow in winter, and the false one does not have leaves in autumn and blooms all year round. It is important to note that garden forks can be used successfully in such false clumps.
In order for you to determine when to divide agapanthus, it is best to observe the plants closely. Identify the clumps and see if they are solid and consistent. In your first observation, if you see some distinct color on the leaves or the stalk itself, you know you are viewing true clumps. You can try pinching individual leaves to make sure you are getting a solid mass. This is an excellent way to get a good idea on how much of a plant is being produced.
When you have determined how much of a plant is being produced and the clumps you have come across, the next step is to use garden forks. Hold one fork in each hand and push the spade deep into the ground next to the clump you have observed. Look for a mass of plant roots near the surface. If you cannot find any, divide the plant into two. That way, you will be able to easily remove the seeds from each individual stem.
Once you have divided the clumps, remove them carefully from the garden fork. Set them aside to dry. It may take several days for the spade to break up enough of the clumps to be manageable. You can place these clumps in plastic bags and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to replant them into your garden.
When the time comes to replant, be sure that you have picked the right type of clump. Most plants grow best when they are division rather than planting. Do not plant the entire clump at once. Planting individual plants will allow you to choose the appropriate seasonings. This is especially important with younger seedlings, who are more sensitive to the type of herb you use.
Some gardeners like to divide agapanthus because it helps them to manage their herb garden. If you are a gardener who grows a variety of different plants, then you might consider having an entire clump go through a training session. When you divide agapanthus, you can train them to grow better and faster. If you have other plants that you want to share with, then you will also be able to provide them with what they need to stay healthy.
