Agave geminiflora (Twin Flowered Agave) / 10 seeds

Endemic to the Mexican state of Nayarit, Agave geminiflora is a single, short-stemmed dwarf agave with 100-200 linear, stiff, narrow, very flexible dark green leaves that have complex margins, curled threads and white horny lines. Leaves can grow up to 60 cm in length and, unlike other agaves, are not armed with thorns along the margins. They cascade from the plant’s center to form a very symmetrical, dense rounded solitary rosette which is somewhat broader. Leaves are quite harmless and won’t hurt if you touch them. Once the plant blooms, the leaves may become coarse in texture. Its flowers are 5-6 cm long and appear on an 8 to 12 feet tall spike in the center of the plant. Flowers are greenish yellow with a reddish or purple blush. They grow in pairs on either side of a tall, straight unbranched spike and therefore the name ‘geminiflora’ which means ‘twin flowered’. Sometimes the plant shows one interesting variation in the form of white filaments along the leaves which is called Rasta Man.

Agave geminiflora is renowned to grow very well in containers in small spaces. The soil needs to dry out between waterings. It’s a nice-looking small plant that can perform well if you apply a granulated time release fertilizer in the growing season. But this agave is sensitive to frost and may be injured if kept out in temperatures lower than 25-degree F. If the plant is injured, the leaves take on a reddish color. This can happen due to a sudden frost or happens over time when nighttime temperatures drop below 40-degree F on a regular basis.

Agave geminiflora is typically not attacked by pests and diseases, although agave weevil can cause problems and so can slugs and snails in moist conditions. Excessive watering can cause root rot and fungal problems.

Agave geminiflora can be propagated via seeds.