Asteraceae; native to Mexico.

Germination: For outdoor growth, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside; for container growth, sow anytime of the year. Leave the seed uncovered and maintain a temperature of 70-75° F during germination which takes 5-10 days, or sow outdoors after danger of frost is past. Ageratum blooms 10-14 weeks from sowing.

Growth: In late spring, space the plants 9-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade in fertile, well drained soil. It will perform best outdoors where summers are hot and dry. When grown indoors, maintain 60-65° F nights, 70° F days. Keep the plants watered to avoid wilting, and fertilize them monthly. Deadhead regularly for continued blooming.

Appearance and Use: An annual with heart-shaped foliage and “powder-puff” flowers (some  are excellent for cutting) it is at home in beds, borders, and as edging fore containers. Mounded plants with downy, serrated green foliage reach 4-30 inches tall and spread 6-12 inches wide. Fluffy, tubular 1/4- to 1/2 -inch blooms of blue, pink, white, or lavender arise in loose clusters all summer. To keep the flowers fresh in a vase for 7-10 days, cut the blooms just as they are opening.