Blue American Agave Plants for Sale

Planting and Care

by Steve Blaes | Professional Arborist, Horticulturist, and Landscape Designer – last update on December 15, 2021

Planting instructions

Blue American Agave prefers to be planted in well-draining soil that receives full sun. It is adaptable to adverse soil types, such as sandy or gravelly soil, where other plants may not perform as well. You should avoid heavy clay due to drainage issues, though. Dig a hole the depth of the root ball and three times as wide. Place the plant in the hole, leaving the root crown one inch above the soil level. Backfill the hole with dirt and tamp down lightly, making sure to keep the Agave propped straight up. Apply a generous amount of water to eliminate air pockets, and add more soil if necessary.

Watering and nutrients

For the first few weeks after planting, water your Blue Agave whenever the soil is dry to a depth of one inch. Once your plant is established, you can reduce waterings to once or twice per month, or whenever the soil is dry to a depth of two or more inches. This is an excellent plant for those who are interested in low-water gardens and xeriscaping design principles. If your plant begins to yellow from the base, this indicates you are watering too frequently, or there may be a drainage issue. Conversely, yellowing from the top-down is associated with drought conditions, as Blue American Agave will prioritize the more established lower portions when it is lacking water and nutrients. Healthy mature Agave plants do not normally require fertilization if planted in nutritious soil. The species dies after flowering — adding too much fertilizer may promote flower growth, which in turn will kill your plant.

Pruning

Blue American Agave requires infrequent pruning to keep the plants in optimal shape. If you decide to prune, only remove dead or dying parts, as the plant does not take well to the removal of healthy leaves. Sanitize your pruning tools and put on protective clothing to defend against the leaves’ spines. Find any damaged leaves, grab them by their base, and cut. Give your Agave plants a thorough watering after pruning to help them recover.

Pests and diseases

Blue American Agave are prone to pests, including the Agave snout weevils and slugs. The weevils are half-inch-long black beetles that lay eggs in the Agave plant. The larvae will then hatch and begin to eat at the heart of the Agave. Plants treated early for infestation may survive, as long as there is enough tissue to regenerate new growth. Use an insecticide to eliminate any pests as they appear. Agave plants are also prone to root rot if the soil is not well-drained.

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