How to Grow: Ageratum
How to Grow: Ageratum
Pronunciation: ah-jer-rah-tm
Ageratum is a wonderful addition to the cutting garden. While it never steals the show like other flowers, I like to think of it as a “supporting character”. It’s reliable, dependable and always shows up when you need it.
The blooms are cheery, adorable and delightful in bouquets. With multiple blooms per stem, they quickly add mass, texture and visual interest to your arrangements.
"Timeless Mix"
Many varieties of Ageratum are bred as short “bedding plants” used in landscaping. You’ll want to avoid these varieties for the cutting garden and choose varieties bred for cut flower use instead (varieties that grow at least 24 inches tall).
A few years ago, I heard another flower farmer mention she grows Ageratum almost exclusively for its beautiful, prolific foliage.
Ageratum Foliage
In the photo below, you can see that we used Ageratum foliage as our primary foliage for these beautiful bouquets!
Ageratum foliage used as our primary foliage in these beautiful bouquets!
If you’ve ever grown a cutting garden, you know that finding good Annual type foliage sources is quite difficult! Lack of good foliage options seems to be a nearly universal problem for cut flower growers. Ageratum is a perfect solution to this problem. The more you harvest from the plants, the more they will grow.
Since Ageratum is a “dual-purpose” plant (flowers AND foliage), it earns a place of honor in every cutting garden.
Ageratum is sometimes called “Floss Flower”, which I assume refers to the fact that the flowers are thread-like and resemble embroidery floss… but I could be wrong. ;)
Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of growing Ageratum for cut flower use.
PROS
They are easy to grow from seed. In fact, Ageratum self-sows so well on my farm that I don’t even sow seeds in trays anymore. I simply go look for “volunteer” seedlings coming up each spring, dig them up and transplant them where I want them.
They are one of the best cut-and-come-again plants that will continue blooming for a long period of time if harvested regularly. The more you harvest, the more they will keep growing flowers and foliage.
They are very heat tolerant and perform well in hot climates.
They add wonderful texture and interest to bouquets.
They are easy to harvest and long-lasting in the vase.
They have little to no pest or disease issues. If you’re looking for a carefree, no-fuss flower, Ageratum fits the bill!
CONS
They come in a limited color palette (mostly cool colors such as white, purple, blue, violet and pink).
They will stop producing flowers if you stop harvesting them (which is true for most cut flowers).
They are not the most exciting flower. If your space is very limited, you may want to choose a flower with impact.
CHOOSING SEEDS
Here are a few of my favorite Ageratum to grow for cut flower use:
“Tall Blue Planet”
‘White Bouquet” (particularly useful as a white flower. White goes with everything!)
HOW TO SOW
Ageratum is a heat-loving, summer-blooming flower. It’s best to plant them outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
Transplants or Direct Sow?
Ageratum can be started in seed trays and transplanted or direct sown in late spring. Transplanting is the preferred method, as the seeds are very tiny and difficult to direct sow.
Ageratum Seeds
Sow seeds in trays about 6-8 weeks before your Average Last Spring Frost Date. Keep them in a warm place while they are growing.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors after your Average Last Spring Frost Date.
Seeds are tiny and I recommend sowing them using the “toothpick method.” Pour the seeds into a container, lick the end of a toothpick and use the toothpick to remove seeds one at a time. Sow 1-2 seeds per cell. Barely over the seeds with a sprinkle of potting soil or vermiculite.
Like many Annuals, I recommend sowing 2-3 successions of Ageraum, 2-3 weeks apart to ensure you have a steady supply of blooms over the season.
PLANT SPACING
Grow Ageratum at 9-12 inch spacing for best results.
"Timeless Mix"
GROWING ON
Ageratum is quite carefree and easy to grow. Like most cut flowers, they appreciate consistent feeding and watering.
Plants should be netted or supported to prevent them from falling over.
Pinching is not required but can be useful as it causes the plants to branch more abundantly. I usually pinch half of the plants and leave the other plants as is. This helps to stagger the blooming time, so I don’t have all the plants in bloom at the same time.
STAGE OF HARVEST
Harvest when the flowers are ¾ of the way open, not in “bud” form. Be sure to cut low into the plant to encourage future growth.
If harvesting for foliage, cut stems before the flower buds form. Cut deep into the plant to encourage branching and more growth.
"Timeless Mix"
POST-HARVEST CARE
Ageratum does not require any special post-harvest care.
Like most cut flowers, always harvest in the cool of the day and allow the flowers to rehydrate in water in a cool location overnight before arranging.
QUESTIONS?
Ask them here and I’ll get back to you!
Ready for More?
If you’re serious about growing the garden of your dreams this year, register for my online course, “Backyard Cutting Garden 101”. You’ll find everything you need to plan, grow, harvest and arrange your stunning blooms. I can’t WAIT to help you grow! Click on the button below for all the details.
