Agave parryi

Description

This is one of the cold hardiest of the agaves and will grow in drier areas of Zones 5-11. Propagate by seed or removing offshoots from the base in spring. Native to mountainous areas in Coahuila, Mexico, and western Texas and southern New Mexico in the U.S., this species grows small to medium-sized, somewhat clustering rosettes of stiff, well-armed, blue-green leaves. It is drought tolerant and extremely cold hardy and unharmed even by most severe freezes. Like most Agave it requires full sun and unimpeded drainage.

Sow indoors: Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost which has been mixed 1:1 with gritty sand. Do not cover the seed but press into the soil. Do not allow to dry out. Propagate. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 1-3 months. After germination admits air. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle individual pots and grow on inside or in a greenhouse until 20cm high. Acclimatize and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Grow under glass in cactus compost. Prefers bright, filtered light. When in growth water moderately and feed every 2-3 weeks with a liquid feed. Keep almost dry in winter. Try outside in a warm, sheltered spot. Almost hardy.