If you aren’t able to find an agave pup, it is easy to grow blue agave and other types of Agave plants from seed. The process isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming.
Here’s what you’ll need to start Agave plants from seed:
- Shallow planting containers or pots and drip trays
- Sterilized seed starting mix
- Plastic wrap or plastic bags
Step #1 – Prepare The Growing Container
If your planting containers are not brand new, wash them thoroughly and allow them to dry in the sun for a day or two before you start. Remember that containers must be well-draining, add holes to the bottom as needed before planting.
Step #2 –Prepare the Starting Medium
Prepare your seed starting medium using a 50-50 mix of sharp sand, pumice or perlite, and vermiculite, sphagnum moss or coco coir. To sterilize the soil mix, bake it at 350° degrees Fahrenheit for half an hour. If you prefer, you can use a commercially prepared, sterilized seed starting mix.
Step #3 – Fill Containers
Fill your planting containers with your sterilized mix.
Step #4 – Sow Agave Seeds
Scatter the seeds over the surface of the mix and either leave them exposed entirely or just sprinkle a little-sterilized sand over them to anchor them in place. Don’t cover the seed deeply because most agave seeds need sunlight to germinate.
Step #5 – Fill Drip Trays
Fill your drip trays with warm, distilled or sterilized water and set the planting containers in the water. When the top of the soil is moist, remove the containers from the drip trays and allow them to drain.
TIP: To sterilize tap water for your seeds, first allow it to sit out for 24 hours so that chemicals will dissipate. Next, bring the water to a full rolling boil and boil it for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool thoroughly and then pour it from the boiling pot into a clean container from a height of about three feet to help aerate the water.
Step #6 – Cover With Plastic Bag
Once the excess moisture has been drained from your planting containers, cover them with plastic wrap or seal each one inside a clear plastic bag. This will help keep moisture levels consistent during germination.
Step #7 – Maintain Consistent Temperature
Keep your aspiring agave plants in a consistently warm (65°-70° degrees Fahrenheit) place with plenty of bright, indirect light.
It can take a while for seeds to germinate, and if you have planted several different varieties or agaves, it may happen sporadically. You should begin seeing some young sprouts within 14-21 days. When the seedlings appear, it’s time to remove the plastic.
Step #8 – Water Sparingly
Water sparingly, a couple of times a week. You want to keep the soil very lightly moist, not soggy. Use a spray bottle for watering as this helps prevent the displacement of seeds and seedlings.
Step #9 – Transfer Seedlings
When your seedlings have 2-3 leaves, carefully transfer them to their own container. Later plant the seedlings in the garden.