How to grow Agave

Agave

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Most species are only hardy to zone 7 or even 9. There is at least one species, Agave neomexicana, that is supposedly grown as far north as zone 5.¹ Propagates by seeds and suckers ².

Agaves seem to prefer arid soils ².

Agaves need full sun and gritty soil. They need supplemental water until established.³

Growing Agave from seed

Keep soil moist until the seed has germinated.

Try to ensure a gap of at least 5.85 feet (1.80 metres) when sowing to prevent overcrowding your seedlings.

How long does Agave take to grow?

These estimates for how long Agave takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Agave Folklore & Trivia

Also native to SW USA and other parts of central America. Agave azul is the species used to make Tequila.

The plant is used both medicinally and decoratively ². A split, warmed leaf has been used as a local application for rheumatism, although the juice/sap can also be an irritant ². Softened, peeled leaves have been used as burn dressings, and a tea made from the leaves is a strong purgative ².

Other names for Agave

Century plant, maguey, American aloe, garingboom (Afrikaans), sentry plant

Footnotes

¹ Mescal

² :Growing Herbs with Margaret Roberts; First published 1985

³ gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm

⁴ thespruce.com/agave-tips-for-growing-this-easy-succulent-1402874