One of my oldest agaves is about to blow

[Paul S]

My big old Agave salmiana ssp crassispina (syn. Agave coarctata) is making its bud, ready to bolt upwards in spring. I reckon it is 27 or 28 years old. Exciting and sad at the same time.

[charlie]

Make sure you get lots of pictures, sounds like a fairly rare occasion?

[Paul S]

They die afterwards so, yes, it is a rare, one-off event for the agave concerned. :D

But in terms of agaves flowering generally, historically there were only Agave americana plus the odd salmiana that have been grown in milder coastal areas and, generally, they only flower ofter 20-30 years so it has always been a rarity. But the last 20 years or so has seen a massive expansion in the range of species and locations of people growing them so, increasingly, we will see them flowering. The first montana, gentryi and even ovatifolia are starting to reach flowering size now.

I'm hoping this one will set good seed as it is not that common in cultivation yet one of the best to grow. Might even get the step ladders and paint brush out :)

[AndyC]

Some of the Agave americana planted out in public spaces in Falmouth have flowered in recent years making a very impressive sight so, yes, pictures please.
It is a pity that the Falmouth gardening staff don't remove the dead and dying plants after flowering until they become a mound of mush which can take another couple of years, they do look a mess.

[Paul S]

Slowed down over winter but speeding up again....

[Tony King]

Paul I am glad it has made it through winter! It is going to be spectacular when it really gets to maturity... wow!

[Paul S]

Thanks Tony. You must pay a visit once it is doing its thing :)

[Tony King]

Thanks Tony. You must pay a visit once it is doing its thing :)

Paul you are right with that, it would make an already special visit even more of a treat!

[Paul S]

Slow but steady progress. Pic today.

[charlie]

Fantastic "Anticipation value"!