Agave - Mexican Tequila

Agave - Mexican Tequila

Agave (lat. Agave) - a succulent beauty whose name probably comes from Greek mythology and means noble, beautiful. Agave belongs to the asparagus family (lat. Asparagaceae). It is among the succulents that are also used in industry. Agave is used to produce sisal fibers (for carpet making) and from the stem of Agave bracteosa, the alcoholic beverage tequila is made. Agave is also used to produce the spirit mezcal and a less known beverage widespread among the indigenous Indians - pulque.

Agave originates from Mexico. It is also found in the southern and western USA and in South America. Thanks to easy cultivation, it has also become naturalized in Mediterranean countries.

Agave has a short robust stem. The leaves appear as if they grow directly from the roots. The leaves are usually tipped with a spine. The leaves are massive, thick and form a regular rosette. Agave has very slow growth. It flowers once during its vegetative period. One rosette equals one flower. The flower appears on a long, rapidly sprouting stalk. The flowers have a bell-shaped form. Once the Agave finishes flowering, fruits develop. After that, the plant dies. It continues growing from lateral offshoots.

Growing Agave

Agave is a very undemanding plant to grow. You can grow it in a pot indoors or planted freely in an outdoor environment. It will always be a decoration at the entrance to your home or an ornamental corner in the garden. Definitely try growing it. Agave is among long-lived plants. It grows for 10-60 years.

Agave can reach up to 70cm in diameter. If it thrives with you, allocate it more space so its majesty can stand out.

Pre-grow the plant in a mini greenhouse or seed tray. A mini greenhouse is ideal, you can easily ensure tropical temperature between 24-27°C (optimal for Agave germination). Air circulation occurs in the mini greenhouse, seeds won't get moldy during germination. Prepare substrate from a mixture of sand and peat in a ratio of 3:2. Spread Agave seeds on the substrate surface and gently press down. Moisten the surface with a sprayer.

Once the seedlings grow and strengthen, transplant them to their destination (preferably after May 15th), or let them strengthen further by transplanting into a pot. When growing in a pot, always ensure a drainage layer of sand or expanded clay.

Agave is not demanding regarding watering or fertilizing. During summer months, water Agave very sparingly. During winter months it doesn't need watering. Agave tolerates rainy weather poorly. Excessive watering of Agave that you grow in a pot will cause the plant to die. You can apply fertilizing if the soil is low in nutrients. Fertilize with fertilizer designed for succulents.

Recommendation: If you grow agave indoors, give it a proper cooling period during the winter months. Place it at a temperature of around 5°C. This cooling will rejuvenate the plant and support agave growth.

Repot agave grown in containers every 5 years. In spring. Don't forget the drainage layer. Place the repotted plant in a sunny and warm location. Agave can be summered outdoors. It will thrive on a sunny balcony or terrace. In winter months, a cooler location will help promote good growth. On an overly warm windowsill, the leaves may start to rot.

Agave leaves should not be trimmed. They grow to whatever size you allow them. If some lower leaves are drying out, wait until they are completely dry and then simply remove them.

TIP: Agave doesn't need fertilizing if the soil is sufficiently nutritious. If the soil is too sandy, use fertilizer for palms and succulents.

Types of Agave

Agave parryi - is probably the most well-known and commonly grown agave. It originates from Northern Mexico. The rosette is regular, composed of precisely growing silver leaves. The rosette is compact and of more substantial growth. In the wild, agave grows at higher altitudes, making it frost-resistant down to temperatures of -27°C.

Agave neomexicana - New Mexican agave - originates from the northernmost regions of Texas and Mexico. It is very hardy and undemanding to grow. It is frost-resistant down to -29°C. In our conditions, it doesn't need to be wintered indoors. In the wild, it grows even at altitudes of 2000 m above sea level. At this altitude, the plant is often covered with snow.

If you decide to grow Agave neomexicana, you will be very satisfied. Results come very quickly. This agave has a 90% germination success rate. The rosette reaches a diameter of 70cm.

Agave bracteosa - comes from the limestone canyons around Sierra Madre. Here it grows at altitudes from 700 to 1600 m above sea level. It is therefore very hardy and also frost-resistant. This agave forms smaller rosettes. The leaves are finely serrated, slightly curved with a sharp tip. It blooms with magnificent, striking flowers. The flowers are white on a tall stem. Overall, Agave bracteosa is very decorative. Suitable for house entrances, as a specimen plant.

Protect agave from prolonged rain. Use breathable materials or provide overhead cover for the plant. Apply this measure especially during winter months.

Agave garciae mendozae - this Agave originates from central Mexico. It will grow to a diameter of 0.5m-6m. The leaves reach a length of 60-120cm. They have a bright green colour with white or brown spines on the edges. They form neat rosettes. Agave garciae flowers only once during its vegetative life. The flower is on a tall stem with bell-shaped white blooms.

This Agave must be overwintered. It only survives milder winters. However, this can never be predicted, so always overwinter it.

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Author: Hana Michalíková