Is ageratum easy to grow?
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. Ageratums are easily grown from seed. Seed may be started indoors in late winter and transplanted outdoors after threat of frost has passed. Seed may also be sown directly in the garden after last frost date, however flowering season will be shorter (late summer to frost).Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Ageratum plants will flower best in full sun; too much shade can result in less blooms and leggy plants. In hotter regions, plants benefit from afternoon shade.Ageratum needs a sheltered, sunny spot, though it will also tolerate light shade. As long as the soil is fertile and free-draining, this versatile annual will grow in acid, neutral or alkaline conditions. Bedding plants can be bought in spring and transplanted into the garden after the last frost.Ageratum needs a sheltered, sunny spot, though it will also tolerate light shade. As long as the soil is fertile and free-draining, this versatile annual will grow in acid, neutral or alkaline conditions. Bedding plants can be bought in spring and transplanted into the garden after the last frost.Overwintering: In colder climates, Ageratum is grown as an annual and will not survive frost.
Is ageratum poisonous?
Toxicity: The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It is generally safe for humans and animals in small amounts but should not be consumed. Brugmansia spp. All parts of all plants in this genus contain the tropane alkaloids scopolamine and atropine, which are extremely toxic; ingestion is often fatal. These plants are closely related to and were once grouped with members of the genus Datura, which contain the same deadly alkaloids.