Before tequila became the regulated spirit it is today, producers made vino de mezcal de Tequila from many varieties of wild agave. It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that blue Weber agave, named after German botanist Frederic Albert Constantin Weber and for its light grey-blue color, became the dominant variety used for making tequila.
Blue Weber agave (or Agave tequilana) has a set of characteristics that are unique to the variety. Established as the only agave permissible in tequila in the 1949 Norma de Calidad, farmers and distillers favored blue Weber agave for many reasons, including:
The central core of the plant, known as the piña since it resembles a pineapple, holds the reserve of complex sugars in the plant used to make tequila. In the wild, these sugars facilitate the production of floras (flowers) and the quiote (the flowering stalk) of the agave when mature. Agaves are typically harvested before the quiote sprouts and floras bloom to prevent sugars from being diverted away from the piñas, where they are typically concentrated.
Blue Weber agaves reach maturity between five and seven years of age. The plants are carefully monitored during this time to ensure they’re healthy and at their peak of ripeness when harvested. Agave selection for Patrón is contracted with a select few farming families with generations of experience and a long working relationship with the Patrón brand, from whom piñas are sourced. These farmers grow agave in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, chosen for its higher altitude, lower temperatures, and nutrient-rich soils that contribute to rounder, more citrusy and fruit-forward flavor notes in the agave.
The ripeness of agaves is determined by their age, sugar content measured in Brix, and visible signs of maturity (such as red fermentation spots, open leaves with darker and wrinkled tips, or a greenish-yellow color at the base of the plant). When ready, individuals responsible for agave harvesting known as jimadores step in. The craft of the jimador is a traditional, deeply respected skill in Mexico, passed down from father to son, and skilled jimadores can dislodge and trim a 100 lb. agave plant in minutes. First, the jimador will remove the agave’s long spiky leaves, known as pencas, using a special tool called a coa. The remaining green parts of the cut leaves will be trimmed to reveal the piña.
One of the tequila industry’s main challenges is ensuring a steady crop of agave for use in production. Throughout history, farmers have endured alternating periods of abundance and shortage; this happens often due to a lack of information about market demand, paired with the long-life cycle of the plant itself. To combat this, Patrón is proactively funding a study with a top agricultural research center in Mexico to ensure the sustainability of the blue Weber agave plant for the entire industry. Watch the Agave Growth and Harvest Study Guide Video
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Agave plants are popular succulents that are grown both indoors and outdoors. With their unique rosette shape and attractive foliage, it’s no wonder why gardeners love adding these plants to their landscapes. However, in order to properly care for agave plants, it’s important to understand their different growth stages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the various life stages of the agave plant so you can provide optimal care during each phase.
Agave Seeds and Germination
The agave life cycle begins with seeds. Agave seeds are black and flat with paper-like edges. They are contained in berry-like pods after the parent plant flowers. To germinate agave seeds sow them in a sterile seed starting mix and keep the soil moist. Germination can take anywhere from one to eight weeks depending on the species. Seedlings will emerge with small succulent leaves. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Seedling and Juvenile Stage
During the seedling and juvenile stage, the young agave plant is focused on root growth and leaf production This stage can last around 3-5 years as the plant matures Proper care during this time includes
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Planting in well-draining soil
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Allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings
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Providing bright sunlight
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Using a succulent fertilizer occasionally
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Repotting only when rootbound
With the right growing conditions, the juvenile agave will continue developing into a mature plant.
Mature Vegetative Stage
The mature vegetative stage is the longest stage in the agave life cycle, lasting anywhere from 5-20 years depending on the species. During this time, growth slows down and the agave reaches its maximum size. The leaves become thicker and the rosette shape is well defined.
To care for a mature agave plant:
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Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil.
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Remove offsets or “pups” to prevent overcrowding.
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Avoid fertilizer to prevent premature flowering.
With proper care, the agave will continue in this steady state for years.
Flowering Stage
Once the agave plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage. This only happens once in the agave’s lifetime. A tall flower stalk or “mast” emerges from the center of the rosette, growing up to 20-40 feet tall over the course of several months.
Small, tubular flowers bloom along the stalk and produce nectar to attract pollinators. The flowers are typically green, yellow, or white depending on the species. After pollination occurs, tiny black seeds develop in berry-like pods along the stalk.
During the flowering stage, care involves:
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Staking the flower stalk if needed for support.
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Removing the dying leaves from the bottom up as the plant deteriorates.
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Harvesting the seed pods to propagate new plants.
Death of the Parent Plant
Sadly, the agave plant dies after flowering. This is known as monocarpic behavior, meaning the plant flowers, sets seed, and perishes in quick succession.
As the plant declines, the leaves dry out and turn brown starting from the bottom. The flower stalk eventually falls over. The whole process takes around 2-3 months.
To properly care for a dying agave, it’s best to:
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Remove the collapsed flower stalk to prevent damage to other plants.
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Uproot the dying agave plant if it is unwanted in that spot.
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Propagate new agave plants from any offsets or harvested seeds.
Propagation of New Plants
Luckily, agaves can live on through propagation. There are a few ways to get new agave plants:
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Planting seeds collected from the flower stalk.
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Removing and replanting offsets from the parent plant.
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Cutting off rosette leaves and rooting them in soil.
With a little TLC, these new propagations will begin the agave life cycle anew.
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How to care for an agave plant and help it grow huge!
FAQ
How long does it take for an agave plant to fully grow?
What is the life cycle of the American agave plant?
How to stop an agave plant from spreading?
Why is my agave growing a stalk?
How long does agave take to grow?
The germination process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the variety of the agave plant. During this stage, the seed will absorb water and begin to sprout. Once the seed has sprouted, it will grow into a small plant. During the vegetative growth stage, the agave plant will produce leaves and establish its root system.
How long do agave leaves last?
During the vegetative growth stage, the agave plant will produce leaves and establish its root system. This stage lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Agave plants grow slowly during this stage, but they will eventually reach their maximum size. The leaves of the agave plant will become thicker and more succulent as the plant matures.
What is the vegetative stage of a blue agave plant?
The vegetative stage of blue agave plant growth is when the plant begins to grow rapidly. During this stage, the blue agave plant produces a large number of leaves and starts to store energy in its core. The vegetative stage can last anywhere from five to ten years. After the vegetative stage, the blue agave plant enters its reproductive stage.
How do agave plants grow?
Agave tends to grow in a rosette of triangular leaves. The succulent leaves have marginal spines and are very fibrous. During flowering, a tall spike grows from the center stem and produces an asparagus-like stalk with branches that host short tubular flowers. These flowers will eventually produce seeds.