Agave Truncata / Artichoke Agave

Artichoke Agave has to be one of the most endearing nicknames for a plant, and has an endearing appearance to match.

Also commonly known as Agave Truncata, Artichoke Agave got its name due to its resemblance to an artichoke. Its compact shape, delicate silver blue-green shade, and flat, round leaves are some of the main characteristics of this charming agave.

But don’t let its unimposing artichoke or flower-like shape fool you. This agave is one tough plant, tolerating tough desert conditions, including very cold temperatures.

Botanical name: Agave parryi var truncata

Other names: Artichoke agave, Mescal agave, Gentry's agave

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Agave truncatas very slowly grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.

The silvery blue-green leaves have a very distinct shape, being flat, round, wide, and short (hence the name truncata or truncated). Together, they form a dramatic rosette shape like an artichoke. The tips of the leaves have dark purplish-brown spines, which are very sharp.

When mature, in about 10-25 years, showy, bright yellow flowers appear on a towering spike that grows to 10+ feet tall.

We recommend having Artichoke agaves as focal points in beautiful pots or planted in multiples in the garden to create a spectacle.

If you’d like a drought-tolerant desert plant with soft features, this would be a really good candidate.

The tips are very sharp, and the sap can irritate the skin. If planting in high-traffic areas, you may want to clip the tips off.

Agave truncatas grow slowly, and do not produce lots of suckers from the base, so they require minimal maintenance such as pruning and shaping.

Agave truncatas are from central Mexico, where it's mostly warm, sunny, and temperate.

Agave truncatas are easy to take care of. They tolerate drought, heat, and cold.

Soil: Loose, well draining soil that is lightly fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees for a short period of time.

Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Pests: Artichoke agave has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the agave)

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring.

Agave truncatas produce a generous number of offsets over its lifetime.

Many of them grow apart detached from the mother plant, although some may grow from the base. If you'd like to transplant them or gift these to someone, you can cut them off using a blade. Allow the offset to dry so that the cut can be healed, which reduces the possibility of rot. Once a callus has formed, usually after a few days, plant the offset, and water it.

How much do agave truncatas cost?

At our nursery, Agave truncatas cost $15 for a 1 gallon container, $45 for a 5 gallon container, $120 for a 15 gallon container, and $250 for a 24 inch box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How big do agave truncatas get?

Agave truncata grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.

How fast does agave truncata grow?

In the Palm Springs area, you can expect it to grow a few inches a year until it reaches maturity. In more temperate regions, it grows a bit quicker a year until maturity.