Agave

( uh - GAH - vay )

At-A-Glance Information

Agave is a genus of succulent perennials grown for their beautiful fleshy leaves. Many species have toothed foliage with a sharp terminal point. The species in this genus have myriad habits, shapes, and growth patterns. Flowers are held at the end of long stems or along the main stalk. After flowering, the base rosette will fade and die, leaving behind pups that form new plants. Agaves will plump up with water, and wither without it. They need fast drainage and many are native to Mexico, though some also hail from the Americas and Caribbean. Many species of Agave are monocarpic, meaning they will die after producing their flower stalk. Take care when planting these succulents in the landscape, as their sharp spines can easily puncture clothing and skin and raw plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Agave Species and Varietals

Agave is the type genus of the plant family Agavaceae, which makes it the relative of plants such as Dracaena, Yucca, and Ponytail Palm. The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek 'aguae', meaning illustrious or noble, referring to the tall flower spikes that plants produce. The genus was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, originally with just four identified species. It now includes over 200, which vary in color, shape, size, habit and preferred climate. Agave growing zones vary by species; read the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Agave americana (Century Plant, Maguey, American Aloe, Mexican Soap Plant)
This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset zones 10, 12-24, H1 and H2. This is a popular species, with blue-green leaves that can reach 6 feet long. There are hooked spines along the leaf margins, and a sharp spine at the tip. This species is difficult to remove once mature. After 10 or more years, a stalk with yellow-green flowers will appear and the mother plant will die. Varieties of this species are available with yellow or cream striped leaves, for example 'Mediopicta Alba' (which has a broad central stripe of creamy white). This species is considered invasive in California, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Australia.

Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa) (Tuberose, Polianthes Lily, St. Joseph's Staff, Amole)
Suitable for USDA growing zones 8a-11b, this interesting perennial Agave is widely grown as an ornamental. Extracts from this plant are used in perfumery, and flowers are used in cooking and to make leis. These herbaceous plants grow from underground tuber and produce dull green leaves. White waxy flowers bloom atop a three foot tall spike. Cultivar 'The Pearl' has double flowers. This species is native to northern Mexico.

Agave angustifolia (Caribbean Agave)
This species is native to Mexico and Central America, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It is famous for being used to make Mezcal. These plants are also commonly grown as ornamentals in landscapes. This species is very similar to Agave tequilana, the plant used to make the liquor tequila. Individual plants reach up to 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Cultivar 'Marginata' has white leaf margins. This species is considered invasive in Cuba, Australia, and the southeastern United States.

Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave, Lion's Tail Agave, Swan's Neck Agave, Soft Leaf, Spineless Century Plant)
This species is commonly grown as an ornamental, and produces an impressive flower spike that rises a bit before gravity pulls it downwards. Mature plants reach up to 10 feet tall when in bloom. Leaves range in color from light greyish green to yellow-green. Cultivars include 'Variegata', 'Ray of Light', 'Boutin Blue', and 'Blue Flame'. The best growing zones for this species include USDA hardiness zones 8-12.

Agave bovicornuta (Cowhorn Agave, Lechguilla Verde, Sapari, Sapuli, Noriba)
This species produces beautiful rosettes of succulent leaves that do not produce suckers. Foliage has prominent red spines along its edges. Flowers are yellow and bloom atop stalks that can reach up to 60 inches tall. This species is native to Chihuaua, Sonora, and Sinaloa, Mexico and plants do well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Agave bracteosa (Spider Agave, Squid Agave, Candelabrum Agave)
This is a compact, open grower to 12 inches high and 24 inches wide. It spreads slowly, eventually forming a large, mounding colony of plants. Twisting pale green leaves, creamy white flowers on a short spike. These Agaves do not die after flowering, and are great for container plantings. Cultivar 'Octopussy' is more cold-tolerant than the straight species, and reaches 3 feet tall.

Agave caymanensis (Cayman Agave, Cayman Islands Agave, Corato)
This species is native to the Cayman Islands, where it grows in dry shrubland habitats. Plants generally form a trunk clothed in dead leaves that reaches up to 13 feet tall when mature. Foliage is succulent and blue-green, forming a rosette up to 10 feet wide.

Agave celsii (Agave mitis) (Smooth Century Plant)
This Agave species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 13-24. It forms a spreading clump of rosettes that span two feet in diameter. Leaves can be apple green or blue grey, with teeth and a terminal spine. Variegated cultivars are available. Needs some shade in desert climates, and protection from frost. It also needs room to spread once planted.

Agave coetocapnia (Agave duplicata, Polianthes geminiflora, Bravoa geminiflora) (Century Plant)
This species grows from tuber and forms a basal rosette of green foliage. Flowering stems reach up to 12 inches tall when in bloom, and support orange-red drooping flowers. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7-11.

Agave deserti (Desert Agave, Mescal, Century Plant, Maguey)
This species is native to desert areas in southern California, Arizona, and Baja California. It produces a rosette of fleshy grey-green leaves with sharp spines along margins. Flowering stems reach to between 6.5 and 19 feet tall when flowers finally bloom at between 20 and 40 years of age. Plants die after flowering. Desert Agave is best in USDA hardiness zones 7b-11.

Agave filifera (Thread Agave, Thread-leaf Agave, Fiber Thread Agave, Paint & String Agave)
This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b or Sunset zones 12-24, and is hardy to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Quick spreader to form a 2-3 foot wide clump with tight rosettes. Leaves are dark green and edged in white, with long threads at the edges of leaves. Dark brown terminal spine. Adapted to hot and dry conditions.

Agave gentryi (Gentry's Agave, Gentry's Hardy Century Plant)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7b-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 14-24. This species is native to high mountains and forms a single rosette that is 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Leaves are light grey-green and glossy with large teeth. As leaves age, they turn inwards towards the center of the plant, giving the look of a mouthful of teeth. Very cold-hardy. Enjoys shade, but can be planted in full sun in coastal gardens. Named for botanist Howard Scott Gentry. Cultivars include 'Jaws' (with very toothed margins), 'Baccarat' (a compact form), and 'La Escondida' (with blue-green foliage).

Agave guadalajarana (Maguey Chato, Guadalajara Agave)
This species of Agave is native to Jalisco, Mexico, and reaches between one and two feet wide at maturity. These plants form a basal rosette of greyish-green leaves with distinctive overlap marks. Edges of leaves have large spines and are reddish brown. Flower spikes reach up to 13 feet tall and hold yellow flowers. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7-11.

Agave havardiana (Harvard's Agave, Harvard's Century Plant)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-24. Native to southeastern New Mexico, western Texas, and adjacent areas of Mexico. Forms a single rosette 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and develops offsets with age. Leaves are blue-grey to dull green, with toothed margins and a stout terminal spine. Flower spikes can reach 15 feet tall with greenish-yellow blooms. Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Good choice for cool, dry gardens.

Agave spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Agave)
This group of Agaves were bred for their aesthetic qualities and are crosses between various Agave species. They generally do well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

'Blue Glow'

'Blue Flame'

'Hammer Time'

'Praying Hands'

'Sharkskin'

'Twisted Tongue'

Agave kewensis (Maguey del Grijalva, Grijalva's Agave, Kew Century Plant)
This species was first described by Prussian botanist Georg Albano von Jacobi in 1866, and reaches up to 10 feet tall when mature. Leaves reach about a foot long, and plants produce yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. These plants have been over-collected and are now considered endangered.

Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave, Large-Thorned Agave, Maguey Espadita)
This species is native to Puebla, Mexico, and produces a medium-sized rosette that can be basal or short-stemmed. Leaves are succulent and grey-green with black spines up to over an inch long at tips. Flowers are small, grey and red, and grow in bunches on stems up to 10 feet tall. Best in USDA growing zones 9a-11b.

Agave maculata (Texas Tuberose, Spice Lily)
This species is endemic to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b. These plants produce silvery-green leaves covered with purple spots. Flower stalks reach up to 2 feet tall and bloom in April through September. Blooms open white, and fade to pink before turning dark red. These plants are favorites of the rare Aloe Skipper butterfly.

Agave mitis (Mitis Century Plant, White Agave)
This species of Agave is native to Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico and does well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b. It forms rosettes of blue-green to yellow-green succulent leaves that reach up to 2 feet long. Spines are soft and brown and flowering stalks reach up to 8 feet tall, holding green flowers. Cultivar 'Multicolor' (pictured) reaches 2 feet tall and has cream-margined leaf edges.

Agave multifilifera (Chahuiqui, White Thread Agave, Thread-Leaf Agave, Many-Haired Century Plant)
This grows best in USDA zones 8-11 or Sunset zones 9, 13-24 and H1. Slow grower to a 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide single rosette with around 200 leaves. Plants form a short trunk as they mature. Leaves are gray-green and are decorated with white filaments. Spines are green and flexible. Stalk of flowers grows to 16 feet tall. Great container plant or focal point in the garden.

Agave murpheyi (Hohokam Agave, Murphey Agave, Murphey's Century Plant)
Historically cultivated by the Hohokam people in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Forms a solitary rosette 3 feet tall and wide. Leaf color varies within the leaves on a single plant, from dark green to blue-green to yellowish. Flower stalks reach 13 feet tall and bear waxy flowers and tiny plantlets that can be propagated. Very tolerant of heat and drought. Variety 'Engard' (pictured) is a heavily variegated species with creamy white stripes. Best in USDA zones 8b-11.

Agave ocahui (Ocahui Agave, Ocahui Century Plant, Amolillo)
This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8b-11 and Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 12-24. Forms a rosette 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Leaves are straight, narrow and dark green with smooth edges and a sharp but flexible terminal spine. Margins have a red border that detaches from mature leaves. Flowers are yellow and form on a spike 10 feet tall. Thrives in sun or shade, and loves well-draining soil. Great in pots, and also can form a lush accent in desert gardens or xeriscapes.

Agave ovatifolia (Whale's Tongue Agave, American Aloe, Maguey Noga)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 12-24. The species forms one rosette of short grey-green leaves to 2-5 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. Leaves are lined with small teeth, and a dark grey spine forms the tip. Green-yellow flowers bloom on a 14-foot tall spike. Can grow in full sun on the coast but needs some shade in desert conditions. Plants are compact in hot, dry situations and become larger the more water they are given.

Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave, Cabbage Head Century Plant, Globe Agave)
This species is a slow-growing evergreen succulent native to northeastern Mexico, growing well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. It produces a compact rosette of grey-green foliage with sharp red thorns at tips. Flowering stems reach up to almost 20 feet tall and hold red flowers that age to yellow. Plants die after flowering, but typically send out offsets beforehand. Cultivars include 'Meat Claw', 'Sea Star' (with cream-yellow margins), and 'Triumphant' (globular and compact with blue-grey foliage).

Agave parryi (Parry's Agave, Mescal Agave, Artichoke Agave, Parry's Century Plant)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 2b, 3 and 6-24. This is a compact variety native to Arizona and Northern Mexico. Thick blue-green or grey-green leaves have black spines. Grows to 2-3 feet tall and wide and spreads by offsets. Resembles a giant Artichoke. Flowers form on a spike and are yellow. Thrives in part-shade.

Agave parviflora (Santa Cruz Striped Agave, Smallflower Century Plant, Small-Flower Agave, Little Princess Agave)
This species is native to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico and does well in USDA hardiness zones 7b-10b. It forms a small rosette of waxy, dark green leaves with spined tips. Margins have peeling hairs, and plants produce a flowering stem after several years that reaches 3-7 feet tall and holds cream to pale yellow flowers through summertime.

Agave phillipsiana (Grand Canyon Century Plant, Phillips Agave)
This species is native to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-11b. Plants produce a flowering stalk that reaches over five and a half feet tall. Blooms are greenish to cream-colored with hints of maroon. These agaves tend to grow on terraces next to riverbeds in sandy, gravelly or rocky soils.

Agave potatorum (Butterfly Agave, Verschaffelt Agave)
This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset zones 8, 9 and 12-24, and forms a single rosette with cupped grey-green leaves. Small teeth line leaf margins, and flowers are greenish-yellow. Flower spikes grow to 14 feet tall. Plants stay compact in hot weather, and grow larger with extra waterings.

Agave schidigera (Thread Agave, Threadleaf Agave)
This Agave grows in zones 9 and 13-24, and gets to a little over 2 feet tall and wide. Forms a single rosette of green shiny leaves with terminal spines. Leaf margins have curly white strings. 10-foot tall flower stalks bear purple blooms. Needs regular water and sun protection in hot climates. Great for containers. Varieties include 'Durango Delight' (compact and symmetrical), 'Black Widow' (with dark green foliage), and 'Shiro ito no Ohi (also called Queen of White Threads, pictured).

Agave shawii (Shaw's Agave, Coastal Agave, Goldman Agave)
This species is native to southwestern California and northwestern Baja California and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. These plants form rosettes of green fleshy foliage with toothed margins. After several years, they produce a flowering stalk and then perish. Flowers are yellow or red, and typically bloom between the months of September and May in the plant's native range. Individual plants reach 2-3 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.

Agave sisalana (Sisal)
This species is native to southern Mexico and is widely cultivated around the globe. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and are hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants are grown for their stiff fiber that is used to make rope, paper, cloth, bags, carpets, geotextiles, and dartboards. It is a composite in fiberglass, rubber, and some concrete products as well. Plants can also be used to make mezcal. This is considered an invasive species in Hawaii, Florida, Australia, Madagascar, and various Pacific Islands.

Agave stricta (Hedgehog Agave, Globe Agave)
These plants are native to Puebla and Oaxaca in southern Mexico, and typically reach about 20 inches tall. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It is an evergreen succulent plant with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves and reddish-purple flowers in summertime. Foliage can develop reddish to purplish tones in summer. Compact cultivar 'Nana' (Dwarf Hedgehog Agave) is a popular ornamental that reaches just 10 inches tall when mature.

Agave tequilana (Blue Agave, Blue Weber Agave, Agave Azul, Tequila Agave)
This species is widely cultivated and economically significant due to its role as the base ingredient of the liquor tequila. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and is hardy down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are native to Jalizco, Colima, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Aguascalientes, Mexico. Tequila is made only from the cultivar 'Weber Azul', from which the heart is harvested after 7-14 years of growth.

Agave titanota (Chalk Agave, Rancho Tambor Agave, Mague Cachitun, Tambor Agave)
This species forms a medium-sized evergreen succulent perennial and is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Individual plants typically reach 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Plants form solitary rosettes of white-green leaves that are narrow at the base. They occasionally produce offsets. Hardy down to 27 degrees Fahrenheit and does well in USDA growing zones 9-11. Cultivars of this species include 'White Ice', 'Filigree', and 'Solar Eclipse'.

Agave univittata (Agave lophantha) (Thorn-Crested Century Plant, Thorn-Crested Agave, Center-Stripe Agave, McKelvey's Agave)
This species of Agave is native to coastal regions in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico and does well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10b. They produce thick, fleshy leaves that have wavy edges. Spines are sharp and prominent, forming on edges and tips of leaves. Flowering stalks can reach up to 16 feet tall when mature, and bear green-white to yellow-green flowers. The cultivar 'Quadricolor' (pictured) is a very popular garden ornamental.

Agave victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria Agave, Royal Agave)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-11 or Sunset growing zones 10, 12, 13, 15-17 and 21-24. The species forms a single rosette 12-15 inches across, occasionally forming offsets at its base. Leaves are dark green with narrow white lines and sharp black tips. Plant is a slow-grower and may not flower for decades. Great in containers.

Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave, Octopus Plant)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 12-24. The species forms a single rosette up to 3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. Leaves are pale green to yellow green and deeply channeled with a long spine at the end. Leaves are arching and twisted, giving the appearance of an octopus or spider from a distance. Cultivar 'Stained Glass' has variegated leaves with yellow to white margins.

Agave weberi (Agave neglecta) (Weber Agave, Maguey Liso, Wild Century Plant, Small Agave)
Dramatic plant, grows in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and Sunset growing zones 8, 9 and 12-24. Reaches 5 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with with grey-green leaves that are finely toothed. Plants make a few offsets and a branched stalk that has yellow flowers. Cultivar 'Arizona Star' features prominent cream-yellow bands on leaves.

Caring for Agave

Take care when planting these succulents in the landscape, as their sharp spines can easily puncture clothing and skin and raw plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Use personal protective equipment when working with or around these plants. Agave plants have a large taproot, which means that they do not usually transplant well. It is important to choose a proper planting site and prepare it before attempting to introduce your new Agave. If they are transplanted when young, they will do better at adapting to their new surroundings. Choose a space in the landscape that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. There are some varieties and cultivars that can take more shade; check growing instructions before choosing a space in the landscape. Agave prefer gritty, sandy soil that is about half sand and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Provide a moderate amount of water for new plantings in the first week, and then cut water by about half in the second week. Continue to taper off weekly until you are watering once every other week.

Agave plants do not need to be fertilized, but to boost plant health an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants can be applied in early springtime. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Agave can be pruned at any time during the growing season to remove spent foliage and any diseased bits. Agaves can live for centuries before they produce a flowering stalk and then perish, leaving pups behind to take their place in the landscape. Removing the flowering stalk when it begins to emerge will not save the life of the plant.

Growing Agave in Containers
Agaves can be grown in the ground as well as in containers. Choose a container that has great drainage holes in the bottom. Agaves grow well in Terra Cotta, but not in glazed containers that do not allow enough moisture to evaporate away from the roots. Fill the container with a substrate that is well-draining and amended by half with gritty sand. Agaves can also do well when planted in a Cactus mix. Agave grown in pots will require more water than those grown in the ground, as their taproot will not be able to grow as deep to access water. They will also need to be repotted every year to replenish the soil and clip the taproot.

Harvesting Agave
Take care when harvesting and processing Agave, as uncooked plant parts are toxic to humans and pets. Certain types of Agave are prized for their use in Tequila and Mezcal, and others are used to make a syrupy sugar substitute. The flowers, leaves, basal rosettes, and sap can be cooked and eaten, but the raw agave sap is toxic to people and pets, so be careful when handling it. For the creation of Tequila or Mezcal, plants will need 5-10 years on average in the ground to mature and develop their sugars. Mature Piñas (the heart of the plant that is harvested) can weigh over 100 pounds, though this varies. The piña is then baked and milled to extract the sweet juices. Yeast is then added to the juices to convert the sugars into alcohol, and then the distilling process is begun. Distilling one's own Tequila is a long process, and one that is not typically attempted by backyard gardeners. The harvesting process for Agave nectar is similar to the process for distilling Tequila, but stops before the yeast is added to the juices. The juice is instead filtered and heated to remove solids and concentrate its form.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

There are two main ways to propagate Agave: by pup (volunteer) and by seed. The easiest way is through pup, or volunteer plants, because it requires the least amount of disruption to the parent plant and ensures that you will get an exact clone, which is something not guaranteed by the seed propagation method. Peruse the propagation methods for Agave below:

Propagating Agave by Division
The easiest way to propagate Agave is by pulling off their pups and replanting them. The pups will come out of the ground easily with a hand shovel when they are young, so make sure to catch them when they are small (just a few inches in diameter). This is a good practice to engage in, even if you're not looking to propagate, because it will discourage the plant to colonize in the landscape. To propagate your Agave by pups, you'll need a clean trowel and a pot filled with soil half amended with gritty sand (or filled with cactus/succulent mix). Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Loosen the soil around the bottom of your Agave plant where the pup has formed and locate the root that is connecting it to the parent plant. Cut the root with a sharp trowel. Take care to not cut off any of the other roots that are coming out of your pup.
Gently dig up the pup, keeping as many roots attached as possible. Then, place your pup in a shaded, dry area that receives good ventilation for a few days, until it forms a callous where it was cut from the parent plant.
Plant your pup in your pot filled with potting mix and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
Give the pup water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the pup should be ready to be planted outside in its permanent home. Then, follow the instructions in the care section to grow your pup into an adult plant.

Pups can be encouraged to form by intentionally damaging the Agave plant. Use a very sharp knife to damage one of the parent plant's leaves close to the base of the Agave. The plant will form pups where the damage has occurred. Once the pups have reached a size of about a few inches in diameter, remove them and follow instructions 2-4 above.

Propagating Agave by Seed
Agave seeds can be purchased seeds or produced by an existing plant, though keep in mind that seed production can take 7 to 25 years and only occurs once in the lifespan of most species. After flowers have faded, fruits will form in their place, and inside this fruit are the seeds. The fruit will ripen in around nine months, though in warmer climates it can take less time. The seeds inside the fruits will only produce new plants if they have been pollinated. This can occur through animal or insect activity, or helped along via a Q-Tip and a ladder (flower spikes can get tall). Once the fruit starts to dry out, it is ready to be harvested for its seeds. If left on the plant, these fruits will develop on their own into smaller Agave plants (called bulbils) that can easily be cut off and planted (after removing them from the plant, follow steps 2-4 in the Division instructions above). The best time to sow Agave seeds is in June, when they can receive adequate sunlight and heat. You'll need a pot or seed tray filled with a carefully-concocted potting mix (1/2 regular potting mix, 1/4 coarse sand, 1/4 crushed lava rock) and more coarse sand. To propagate your Agave by seed, follow these directions:

Gather your materials and fill your pot with the potting mix described and smooth out the top, without pressing down too much. You want to keep the soil very well-draining. Place the seeds on top of the soil about a centimeter apart, and cover them with a layer of coarse sand (particle grit no larger than 4mm).
Water your seeds, being careful to not disturb their placement under the sand. Keep the seeds moist but not wet as they germinate, which should happen between a week and a few weeks. Your pot or tray should be in an area that receives bright indirect light. It is important to attempt to germinate more than a few seeds, as it is likely that not all seeds will germinate successfully. After most of the seeds have germinated, increase ventilation and provide the seedlings with good light, but not direct sunlight. About five weeks after germination, cut watering to about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. Do not provide water if the soil is still moist.
By the end of September you should cut waterings to once every two weeks, and in October, waterings should almost cease, unless you notice the leaves shriveling. The plant will be entering its dormant stage at this point. Over the winter months, keep your Agave plant safe from freezing temperatures. Once March rolls around, increase waterings again to once every two weeks, though only water if the soil is completely dry.
Your new Agave can be planted in the ground in April or May, depending on how your seedlings are doing at this point. Then, follow the care instructions listed in the Caring for Agave section above.

Agave seeds ready to be sown.

The dried seed pods of Agave plants will look like this.

Agave bulbils that form when seed pods are not removed from the Agave plant.

A pup ready to be removed from its parent plant.

Agave pups removed from their parent plant.

Repotted Agave pups.

Problems and Pests

Agave is a relatively easy plant to care for, and does not have many pest or disease issues. However, these plants can be susceptible to developing the following pest and disease problems from time to time: