🌵 Agave: Growing Guide
Agave (Agave americana) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 45 °C (23–113 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Agave americana |
|---|---|
| Category | Succulents |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 45 °C (23–113 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 100–200 cm (39–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jan, Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Jan, Jul.
Watering
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Extremely drought tolerant.
Growing tips
Flowers once (monocarpic). Source of tequila. Fiber (sisal). Very long-lived.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Agave: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jan, Aug. Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Jan, Jul.
Agave: how often should I water it?
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Extremely drought tolerant.
Agave: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Agave: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Agave: which plants grow well with it?
Aloe.
Agave: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Agave snout weevil.
Plan your garden
Add Agave to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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