Botanical illustration of Agave
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🌱 Agave

Agave americana / Agave tequilana
succulents succulent perennial
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
very low
🗺️ Zones
[8,9,10,11]
🧪 Soil pH
6.0-8.0
🪴 Soil Type
well-drained, sandy, tolerates poor
📏 Spacing
4-8 ft
📐 Height
3-6 ft (flower spike to 30 ft)
⏱️ Maturity
7-15 years to flower (monocarpic — dies after flowering)

🤝 Companions (3)

🤝 Lavender
Mediterranean/dry garden companion; both thrive on neglect
🤝 Yucca
Shared xeriscape conditions; dramatic architectural contrast
🤝 prickly pear
Classic desert garden pairing; complementary water needs

⚠️ Keep Apart (1)

⚠️ none — but the century plant's massive size and sharp spines need strategic placement

📝 Growing Notes

Takes 7-15 years to store enough energy for a single reproductive explosion — a flower spike that grows 6 inches per DAY to 30+ feet, then the plant dies. The roasted heart (piña) is the source of all tequila and mezcal. Also produces sisal fiber from leaves.

🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds Botanical Interests True Leaf Market Burpee Territorial Seed Company

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