Agaves are among the most conspicuous plants of arid North America; their bold forms attract attention in any landscape whether natural or designed. They are often confused with Yucca plants. Agaves are characterized by succulent or semi-succulent leaves that form rosettes from a few centimetres to several meters across, but there are many variations on this basic pattern. Growing Agaves and other succulents from seed is an easy, economical way to build up large numbers of plants. It is also an opportunity to find a seedling that shows unique or unusual characteristics from the mother plant.

Agave celsii is a medium-sized clump-forming agave that has rosettes up to 60cm tall and wide with fleshy 15cm wide by 60cm long green leaves that gracefully curve upwards. The leaves appear unarmed but have a soft terminal spine and minute, backward curving, brown spines on the edge of the leaves. Plant Agave celsii in full sun or light shade. This plant is considered frost tender but Mary and Gary Irish note in their book “Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants” that Agave celsii survived temperatures to -11°C.