654 saves
Agave
We track 90 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Agave varieties
See all 90 Agave varieties →Search this genus →
13 species of Agave
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Agave in Sow
Save the Agave you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Agave
Whats common across all Agave varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Agave year
- PlantMarch–May88% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil after the last expected frost.
- Winter PrepOctober and November83% of varieties
Protect from excessive winter moisture; move containers indoors in Zone 7.
- Check for PestsApril–July60% of varieties
Watch for the Agave Snout Weevil, especially in warmer months.
- FertilizeMarch and April43% of varieties
Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer only if growth is sluggish.
- PruneFebruary and March40% of varieties
Remove dead or damaged lower leaves (skirts) and offsets (pups).
- PropagateApril and May38% of varieties
Separate and replant offsets (pups) from the base.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March30% of varieties
Remove any old, damaged, or yellowing lower leaves.
Do
- Protect from frost in colder zones
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent rot
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater or keep in soggy soil ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
What goes wrong with Agave
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Brown or black bumps on leaves | Use horticultural oil |
| Agave snout weevil | Wilting and rotting at the base | Use soil drench with systemic insecticide and remove affected plants |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Discolored, mushy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal infections | Dark spots or mold on leaves | Remove affected parts, treat with fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Use copper-based fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Agave
Offsets
- Gently separate offsets from the main plant, taking care not to damage roots.
- Plant in well-draining soil and water lightly, 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into sandy soil, lightly covering with soil.
- Mist regularly and keep in warm, sunny location for germination, approximately 8 weeks.
Agave questions
How many types of Agave are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 90 distinct Agave varieties. The most popular — ranked by 654 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Agave grow in?
Across its varieties, Agave covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Agave bloom?
Most Agave varieties bloom in late summer, summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Agave should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.