Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, is a dramatic and iconic succulent native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. This striking plant forms a large rosette of thick, fleshy, blue-green leaves that can reach up to 6 feet long, each edged with sharp spines and ending in a strong terminal point. The leaves’ architectural form and glaucous color give the plant a sculptural, almost prehistoric appearance, making it a favorite in desert gardens and xeriscapes. Although called the “century plant,” it typically blooms after 10 to 30 years rather than a hundred. When mature, it sends up a towering flower stalk that can reach 20 to 30 feet high, bearing clusters of yellow-green flowers that attract pollinators such as bats and hummingbirds. After flowering, the parent plant dies, leaving behind offshoots (pups) that continue the cycle of growth. Agave americana thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils, showing exceptional drought tolerance once established. It is often used ornamentally for its bold form and low maintenance needs, serving as a dramatic focal point in rock gardens, Mediterranean landscapes, and arid plantings.
 
Growing Instructions
 
1. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
2. Put the seeds on the soil. 
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the seeds.  
5. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. The seeds should germinate in two to three weeks, but they may germinate erratically over a longer period of time.
6. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.