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Blue Agave (Agave Tequilana): The Tequila maker
You may have noticed a common theme running through the uses of these different types of cactus. They all seem to have some property that is prized for exploiting either for health benefits, medicinal drugs or even protection. Where cactus plants lack in the instant gardening appeal department they make up for when it comes to their usefulness.
Blue agaves, Agave tequilana weber azul, are no different. If you've ever had a drink of tequila (or should I say if you've ever been to university or college) then you would have tried the nectar of this cactus. The heart of this plant (the pina - now you know where pina colada comes from) is harvested when its about 12 years old and the sap is drained, fermented and distilled.
Agave's, like the hoodia's, are not true cacti. They are succulents that share similar properties. They are grown natively in the Jalisco state of Mexico which is about 2300m (7500 feet) above sea-level.
WATERING REQUIREMENTS
Minimal. They only require 20 - 50ml rainfall per year, so extra watering is not needed. In fact, if these cactus were to receive more than this they would suffer with possible rotting roots a common problem with this type of cactus.
SOIL TYPE
Blue agave's prefer a fast-draining sandy soil. It dislikes acidic or clay soils and if you plan to mulch around them use a dry mulch such as pebbles or pea gravel.
WHERE TO GROW THEM
They are best grown at altitude in arid zones but can be grown in home gardens quite successfully. They require full-sun and enough space to branch out.
HOW TO PROPAGATE BLUE AGAVE'S
Blue agave's can be propagated from seed but this is not the easiest way to do it and is not highly successful. The best way to propagate agave is to take shoots from an adult cactus an dry out for nearly 12 months. Then they can be transplanted into some potting mix and grown on from there.
CAN THEY GROW IN POTS
Yes. So long as the potting medium is fast-draining and that the pot is located in an area that receives a lot of sun. As they are larger plants you may need to repot them every 2-3 years to keep them from busting out of their current pot or becoming root bound.
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Comments
I would like to know if I can propagate weber blue agave by cutting the leave. Please let me know. Thanks.
Posted by: Mar A. Laroco | September 5, 2007 1:48 PM
Yes. You can propagate the blue agave via leaf cuttings. Find a young leaf and snip it off with a pair of sharp secateurs. Place it wound side down in a tray of well-draining potting mix and water once per week. You should have not problems getting some success with this plant.
Posted by: Stuart | September 6, 2007 5:58 AM
I am trying to find out how cold the tequila agave can get
Posted by: Teri Wolff | May 16, 2008 2:04 AM