Agave is a genus of around 200 species placed in the Agavaceae family. The plants are perennials; but each rosette will flower once, and then die. Some species are known by the common name, Century Plant. 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 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 mckelveyana commonly known as McKelvey’s Century Plant is a small, relatively rare, dwarf species of Agave from western Arizona. It is one of the hardiest agaves, to -15°C it is tolerant of drought and severe freezes and can take winter rain. It grows to around 38 to 60cm tall and 45cm in diameter. It forms a tight rosette of broad, bluish green, fleshy leaves with small teeth.