All 270 acknowledge species of the agave are identified by the leathery leaves that swirl around a central kernel in a russet scab formation . The leaf rise from a minimum of 6 to up to 20 inches in duration , and the edges are rimmed with teeth . They maturate in eight to 10 years and then only once ; the bloom saps the flora of its energy before dying . The mature plant drops “ whelp ” that are its way of propagating itself . They are drought insubordinate and postulate little maintenance .
Agave tequilana , commonly call blue Weber agave or tequila agave is aboriginal to the states of Jalisco , Colima , Nayarit , Michoacán , and Aguascalientes in Mexico . It is an agave plant that is an of import economical product of Jalisco commonwealth of Mexico , due to its theatrical role as the base element of tequila . depressed agave is more closely refer to lilies than to cacti . Hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 9b and 10 .
The plant life favors altitudes of more than 1,500 metres ( 5,000 ft ) and arise in plenteous and flaxen grunge . Blue agave flora grow into large succulent , with spiky fleshy leaves , that can pass on over 2 meter ( 7 ft ) in tiptop . Blue agaves sprout a stalk when they are about five long time old . These stem can grow an extra 5 metres ( 16 ft ) , and they are top with yellow peak . Before the flora dies , it produces plenty of pups around and near the base via rhizomes . The stalk is dilute off from commercial-grade works so the plant will put more energy into the ticker .
It is rarely observe as a houseplant , but a 50 - year - old sorry agave in Boston grew a 9 molarity ( 30 ft ) stalk requiring a gob in the greenhouse ceiling and flowered in the summertime of 2006
Characteristics
Cultivation
Soil Requirements
Sunlight Needs
Watering Schedule
Temperature and Climate
Fertilization
Spacing and Planting
Pest and Disease Management
Pruning and Maintenance
Cultivars of Agave Tequilana
Tequila Production
Tequila is only produced from a specific cultivar of Agave tequilana roll in the hay as “ Weber Azul . ” This plant belongs to the Asparagaceae kinfolk and is secern by its big size and blue - grey color , in contrast to the smaller , green typical A. tequilana . It grows chop-chop and bring out many showtime , making it agriculturally advantageous . Tequila production involve harvest the middle ( piña ) of the plant between its seventh and 14th year , depend on growth rate and the harvester ’s discreetness . The harvested piñas usually count between 40 and 90 kilogram ( 80–200 lb ) . The heart is then strip of its farewell and heated to commute inulin into cabbage . The roast core is pressed or smash to extract the sugary liquidness called aguamiel , which is then fermented and condense into intoxicant . Tequila can also be made with a dough mixture of 51 % agave and 49 % other saccharide , sleep with as Mixtos .
