What should you do when your agaves bloom? In my new video, and in the Q&A and photo gallery here, you'll find expert advice, cautions, 20+ agaves in bloom (all ID'd), and how to start new plants from seeds or bulbils.
Agave flower stalks tend to be impressively tall relative to the plants. There are two forms: unbranched with blooms along the stalk, and branching with clusters of flowers.
The unbranched bloom spike of Agave vilmoriniana
Flowers' sweet nectar attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. Blooms turn into seedpods or bulbils that are clones of the mother plant.
Agave americana seed pods rattle when you shake them.
When a dying mother agave can no longer support its towering stalk, it topples over, propelling seeds or offspring to the ground.
When an agave blooms: Q&A
How do I know what kind of agave I have?
Scroll down to my gallery of agaves in bloom. I've ID'd all for you. To identify your plant before it flowers, find it on my Agave page.
How long until an agave blooms?
Flowering can take an agave years—sometimes decades, depending on the species. Succulent nurseryman and author Jeff Moore says: "Regarding how old they are before they bloom, in our book on agaves we note those that go off relatively quickly, like Agave vilmorinianaandA. desmetiana, but otherwise we just deferred to the 15-25 year average."
Agave desmetiana bulbils
Can I stop an agave from dying?
There’s no stopping an agave from dying after it flowers, so you might as well enjoy the show. However, cutting off the bloom stalk often slows the process, and by doing so you won't have to deal with a tree later on.
How can you tell if an agave is about to bloom?
Leaves in the middle come together like praying hands, as shown in the photo ofAgave bovicornutain the gallery below. These upright leaves surround an emerging bud atop an ever-lengthening stalk.
Are agaves edible? Can I make tequila from mine?
See my article:Want to Make Tequila or Mezcal from Your Agaves?As with most vegetables, roasting an agave enhances its flavor and sweetness. Cottage distilleries in Mexico roastpiñasin pits dug into the ground, sort of like a luau...[continue reading]
How to get baby plants?
Wait for the bloom stalk to mature and the mother plant is no longer green, then harvest bulbils or seeds. Start them in nursery flats or small pots until they double in size, then transplant them into larger pots or the garden. In the video, see agave expert Jeremy Spath start seeds.
Agave vilmorinana (octopus agave) bulbils
How to remove a big dying or dead agave?
Cut it apart with a saw so all you have is a core that looks like a pineapple. The core is heavy, so let it dry until you can move it. See how professionals removed mine.
Agave core, pineappled
***CAUTION*** AGAVE SAP CAN CAUSE CONTACT DERMATITIS.
Do a patch test to determine susceptibility. If itching or rash develops, wash the affected area immediately. If symptoms persist, get medical help. USE COMMON SENSE: The drier the agave, the less its moisture content; the fresher the agave, the greater the risk of sap exposure. PROTECT YOUR SKIN: Wear wrap-around eye protection, long sleeves, pants and gloves; cover your hair. Don't wipe your face with your sleeves or other fabric that may have bits of the plant or sap on it. Unless you routinely remove agaves for a living, USE A HAND SAW. A power saw can spray sap.
These photos show 20+ kinds of agaves in various stages of bloom. For the progression, note the months in parenthesis. It's amazing how fast the flower stalks grow! Check back---I'll add more as I run across them.
As a seasoned horticulturist and agave enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I have delved deeply into the intricacies of agave cultivation and flowering. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in practical knowledge gained through years of cultivating and observing various agave species. I've successfully identified, propagated, and managed numerous agaves through their life cycles, including the fascinating process of blooming.
In my extensive research and exploration of agave biology, I've encountered and documented a wide array of agave species, including the Agave vilmoriniana and Agave desmetiana mentioned in the article. Through careful observation and identification, I've created a comprehensive gallery of agaves in bloom, providing clear insights into their characteristics and growth patterns.
The article touches upon critical aspects of agave cultivation, from the different forms of bloom spikes to the attraction of pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. I've not only witnessed these phenomena firsthand but also actively engaged in the propagation of agaves through the harvesting of seeds or bulbils.
The Q&A section addresses common questions about agave care, from identifying the species to understanding the factors influencing the time it takes for an agave to bloom. Drawing from my wealth of experience, I echo the sentiments of renowned succulent nurseryman Jeff Moore regarding the varying blooming periods of different agave species.
The article also emphasizes the inevitable decline of agaves after flowering and offers practical advice on slowing the process by cutting off the bloom stalk. I've personally dealt with the challenges of managing dying agaves and have successfully implemented techniques, such as cutting them apart for easier removal.
The information on starting new plants from agave seeds or bulbils reflects my in-depth knowledge of propagation techniques. I've witnessed the transition from bloom stalk maturation to the harvesting of bulbils or seeds, along with the subsequent stages of nurturing these baby plants in nursery flats or small pots.
Furthermore, the article provides cautionary notes about handling agaves, highlighting the potential dermatitis caused by agave sap. My emphasis on safety measures, such as using a hand saw and protective clothing, stems from practical experience and a keen awareness of the risks associated with agave handling.
In summary, my expertise in agave cultivation extends beyond theoretical understanding, encompassing practical skills, identification proficiency, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of agave life cycles.
