How to Plant Agaves
How to Plant Agaves
One of the most popular of desert plants is the agave that grows perfectly in dryer soils. These succulents, believe it or not, are a member of the lily plant family. They are often mistakenly referred to as cactus. There are many varieties including the blue agave that is used for food and medicinal purposes. They generally have a life ranging from 8 to 15 years and bloom just once in their lifetime. Here are a few tips on planting agaves in your yard.
1. Dig a hole about 10 inches deep and 10 inches wide. Mix equal parts of gravel, soil and sand. Add a trace of fertilizer and mix thoroughly with the soil. Replace the soil into the planting hole.
2. Tap the agave plant out of the pot, gentle tapping only. Untangle the plant roots and be sure to remove any excess soil clinging to them. Spread the roots in a line and cut off up to 1 inch with knife at an equal level. All broken roots should be trimmed and discarded.
3. Place the plant into the hole and make sure the plant rests evenly with the soil.
Cover the roots with the soil completely and pack it in loosely, not too tight.
4. Sprinkle the plant with water a few days after. You may have an automatic irrigation sprinkler adjacent to the new plant that will take care of the job. Just don’t over water in the beginning particularly. Root stimulators may be added to further they young plant’s growth potential.
The agave will spread and bloom and give you years of desert beauty with the proper care.
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