🌵 Aloe Vera: Growing Guide
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 5–40 °C (41–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 7.0–8.5. Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Aloe vera |
|---|---|
| Category | Succulents |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Soil pH | 7.0–8.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–40 °C (41–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 40–100 cm (16–39 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 | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
Watering
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Water rarely, let it dry out.
Growing tips
The gel is traditionally used on skin. Grow indoors or in a pot. Vera and Arborescens.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Aloe Vera: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr.
Aloe Vera: how often should I water it?
Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Water rarely, let it dry out.
Aloe Vera: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 40 cm (16 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Aloe Vera: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Aloe Vera: which plants grow well with it?
Lavender, Rosemary.
Aloe Vera: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Root rot (overwatering).
Plan your garden
Add Aloe Vera 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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