Agave Tequilana (variegated)

Description: A variegated cultivar of Agave tequilana with narrower green leaves bearing yellow margins or streaks. Somewhat more cold and frost tolerant than its cousins, A. tequilana weber azul and a. angustifolia, this has been our best-performing tequilana/angustifolia but has somewhat smaller piñas. These are beautiful plants and look great in the garden or the field. We have yet to produce spirit from them, although tequila was historically made from this (or a very similar) plant, A. tequilana v. listado, before Mexican regulation decreed that tequila could only be made with A. tequilana v. weber azul. We have found that tequilanas and angustifolias can be challenging to grow in Northern California; if you are hoping to plant them and face winter temps that drop even periodically below 30°F, our variegated tequilana is a great option.    Estimated Size: 5-6ft height and width. Estimated Time to Maturity: 6-10 years. Propagation: Pups, bulbils. Uses: Spirits, landscaping. Care: Full sun, high drought tolerance, hardy to around 27°F if dry, but frost can damage. Suggest planting 11-12ft centers and 6-8ft down the row. Note: There is a great deal of scientific and academic literature, as well as practical experience from Mexico, regarding the lifespan of various agave species. In our experience, however, this information is not always correct for agaves grown in California--and in Northern California in particular, where most species have a limited track record of production. Our maturity estimates represent our best guesses based on our review of available information and the speed at which agaves are growing for us. Your experience may vary!