This is the plant used in the Jalisco, Mexico as the base ingredient of the distilled spirit called Tequila where it has been cultivated since before the Spanish arrived. Other products derived from this plant include aguamiel and pulque. It is considered a domesticated species without any wild populations known to exist.
This variety of agave was picked due to it's high production of sugars, mostly fructose, in the core of the plant. It took the shortest amount of time to mature, had the highest carbohydrate content, and usually has the largest amount of pups for replanting. Rumor has it, that taste was never a factor.
Famous for giving us tequila & agave syrup, Blue Agave also provides a bold focal point for any big sunny space. The handsome rosette of blue-gray leaves can grow to 6-8' tall & wide, so make sure to plant apart or away from pathways & play areas for kids. It's possible to cut the leaves off at the base, but given enough space, it grows into a carefree plant that is sure to turn heads.
The plant is from the Asparagaceae family. This cultivar is larger and blue-gray in color compared to the smaller and green normal A. tequilana. It is a rapid grower and prolific offsetter in keeping with its agricultural advantages.
Plant in full sun for the best blue color - make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Sometime between its 5th & 40th birthday, it will send up a spike (up to 15' tall) with creamy flowers. The plant will die at this point - but leaves behind many pups at the base.