{"product_id":"flower-ageratum-market-growers-blue","title":"FLOWER-AGERATUM - MARKET GROWERS BLUE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHow to grow Ageratum-Market Growers Blue\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChoose a site with full sun to partial shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSow seeds directly into the garden during mid to late spring.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn tropical regions, sow anytime.\n\n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSurface sow seeds and lightly cover them, as they need light to germinate.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUse a well-drained seed sowing mix at about 22°C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlant in rich, well-drained soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEnsure proper spacing to allow for good air circulation and prevent common pests and diseases.\n\n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlants will grow up to 70 cm tall by 50 cm wide.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProvide regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSeeds will germinate best at a temperature of about 22°C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRegularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and keep plants tidy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMonitor for pests and diseases and take preventive measures as needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAgeratum typically grows to be about 30-40cm tall. Provide support to the plants as they grow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePinch off dead flowers to encourage new blooms \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart seeds indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Ageratum can be started from seed indoors, 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with seed compost and cover with a plastic wrap or propagator lid to maintain humidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTransplant seedlings:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOnce the seedlings have grown to about 5-7cm tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eStratifying:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAlthough not necessary, cold stratifying the seeds for a week before planting can sometimes improve germination rates. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel, put them in a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCompanion Planting:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlant Ageratum near vegetables and other flowers to deter harmful insects. Its strong scent can help repel pests such as whiteflies and aphids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePinching Back:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIs especially effective for preventing the plants from becoming too leggy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFertilising:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAgeratum prefers moderately fertile soil. Over Fertilising, especially with high-nitrogen fertilisers, can result in lush foliage at the expense of flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHumidity Tolerance:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Ageratum can tolerate high humidity levels, making it an excellent choice for humid climates where other plants might struggle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEdging and Ground Cover:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUse Ageratum as a living mulch to suppress weeds. Their dense growth can help keep weed growth down around taller plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCut Flowers Longevity:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhen using Ageratum as cut flowers, sear the cut ends of the stems with a flame or boiling water for a few seconds. This helps seal the stems and prolongs their vase life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePest Control:\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAlthough Ageratum is relatively pest-resistant, keep an eye out for spider mites and thrips. A strong spray of water can help dislodge these pests, or use an organic insecticidal soap if needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeritage of Ageratum-Market Growers Blue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAgeratum-Market Growers Blue flowers have a rich heritage rooted in the tropical regions of Central and South America. The Ageratum genus, part of the Asteraceae family, encompasses various species known for their charming and vibrant blooms. Over the years, these flowers have been selectively bred for their striking blue colour and compact growth habit, making them a favourite among gardeners and horticulturists. The name \"Ageratum\" is derived from the Greek word \"ageratos,\" meaning \"unaging,\" which reflects the plant's long-lasting blooms. Ageratum Market Growers Blue, with its historical journey from the tropics to gardens worldwide, embodies the beauty and resilience that have made it a beloved choice for ornamental gardening.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020579062132,"sku":"FLAMGB","price":3.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/FLOWER_AGERATUM_MARKET_BLUE.jpg?v=1785570531","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/flower-ageratum-market-growers-blue","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}