Latin Name: Ageratum houstonianum
Main Uses: Bedding plant, companion plant, naturescape plant

Zone Hardiness: Annual                                                                                           
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: 60 cm (24 inches)
Flower Color: Deep blue
Flowering Time: Mid-summer - September
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 4 - 8 days at 24˚C
Sowing: Indoors 4 - 8 weeks before last frost date. Sow two seeds per starter pot or plug cell. Apply Sea Magic from first watering and then from the second set of true leaves to time of transplanting, alternate between Sea Magic and seed-starting fertilizer (such as Evolve) once per week.
Planting Depth: Press lightly into moistened soil (ageratum requires light to germinate).
Spacing: Space transplants 8” - 12” apart, or direct seed in rows.
Planting Out: Plant in well-drained fertile soil after the local last frost date.
Growing Tips: Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, pinch tips. to encourage bushiness. 

Pruning: Dead-head flowers as they fade to encourage re-blooming.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, cut fresh stems in the morning, before the heat of the day. 

Fruiting: N/A

Growing in Containers: Ageratum looks fabulous in pots 8" and up.

Fertilizing (Containers): Add approximately 25% quality compost to your potting mix. Apply a bloom-focused organic plant food regularly through the growing season. 

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Check every day or two during very hot weather.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Ageratum adds colour, texture and pollinator-attracting qualities to mixed planters. 

Fertilizing (Garden): Add quality compost to your garden bed before planting.

Watering (Garden): Water young plants daily to get them established, then water only as required.

Garden Companions:

• Vegetable Companions: Ageratum blooms support many beneficial insects and pollinators, and is a smart plant to include as a companion, inter-planted amongst veggies. 

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Just be sure to plant out once the soil has warmed and all chance of frost has passed. 

Pest/Disease Issues: None. 

Suitability for Indoors: Not well-suited for indoors.

What about Grow Lights? Fluorescent T5 grow lights are recommended for starting the seedlings indoors. 

General Indoor Care: N/A

Indoor Container Suggestions: N/A

Winter Fertilizing: N/A

Winter Watering: N/A