Agave tequilana

Overview

Weber azul, commonly known as Blue Agave, is the exclusive agave used for tequila production in Mexico. It is one of the most widely cultivated agave varieties due to its strong sugar production and relatively consistent maturation.

Field Performance

This variety prefers hot, dry climates and can be sensitive to hard frosts. In our plantings in western Fresno County, plants occasionally show tip burn and leaf curling during cold events. However, we have observed no plant mortality from temperatures in the mid-20°F range.

Harvest Characteristics

In Mexico, Weber azul typically matures in 7–8 years under dry-farmed conditions. In California’s hotter climate with drip irrigation, we expect plants to mature in approximately 5–6 years and potentially reach larger sizes with higher sugar concentrations.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~5–6 years (CA)
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × ~4 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~900–1,000
Piña weight: 100–150 lbs typical
Clones: Yes (hijuelos)
Water use: ~3 inches/ac/year

Agave angustifolia

Overview

Espadín is the most widely used agave for mezcal production and is estimated to account for roughly 75–80% of mezcal produced in Mexico.

Field Performance

In our fields, espadín grows similarly to Weber azul in terms of spacing, water use, and general management. The plants tend to be a lighter green color and have longer, thinner spines at the tips of their leaves.

Harvest Characteristics

Espadín produces hijuelos (clones) after several years, allowing growers to expand plantings naturally. Under California growing conditions, we expect plants to mature on a timeline similar to Weber azul.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~5–6 years
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × ~4 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~900–1,000
Piña weight: ~100–150 lbs
Clones: Yes
Primary use: Mezcal

Believed hybrid: Agave tequilana × Agave angustifolia

Overview

Yolo agave is a California selection believed to be a hybrid between Weber azul and espadín. The plant was first propagated in Yolo County and has gained attention among growers for its strong growth and adaptability.

Field Performance

In our Central Valley plantings, Yolo agave has shown vigorous growth and good tolerance to both heat and occasional winter frosts. The plants appear slightly more resilient than Weber azul while maintaining a similar structure.

Harvest Characteristics

Yolo produces hijuelos (clones), allowing growers to expand plantings easily. Early observations suggest the plants may mature on a timeline similar to Weber azul, though more field data will be collected as plantings mature.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~5–6 years (estimated)
Spacing: Similar to Weber azul
Plants per acre: ~900–1,000
Clones: Yes
Notes: Hybrid vigor observed

Likely related to Agave tequilana

Overview

Lemeño appears to be a hybrid related to Weber azul. We planted it using the same spacing and growing practices to evaluate its performance in California.

Field Performance

After several years in the field, lemeño plants appear slightly smaller than Weber azul but noticeably more frost tolerant. During winter cold events we observe less leaf burn compared to nearby Weber plantings.

Harvest Characteristics

Lemeño produces hijuelos (clones) and appears likely to mature on a timeline similar to Weber azul, though the piñas may be somewhat smaller at harvest.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~5–6 years (estimated)
Spacing: Similar to Weber azul
Piña weight: Slightly smaller than Weber
Clones: Yes
Notable trait: Improved frost tolerance

Agave mapisaga var. mapisaga

Overview

Mapisaga is a large agave species traditionally associated with pulque production in Mexico but increasingly explored for distilled spirits.

Field Performance

Among the varieties we have planted, mapisaga is the most prolific producer of pups (hijuelos), often beginning in the first year. Plants appear moderately hardy and adaptable to Central Valley growing conditions.

Harvest Characteristics

This sub-variety does not appear to grow as large as the Mapisaga Lisa type we have observed elsewhere, but it still produces substantial plants and should be spaced similarly to Weber azul.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~8–10 years (estimated)
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × ~4 ft plants
Clones: Very prolific
Piña weight: ~85–200+ lbs

Agave weberi

Overview

Weberi is a hardy agave species known for its ability to tolerate both high heat and colder temperatures.

Field Performance

These plants grow significantly larger than Weber azul or espadín. In our fields they perform well with minimal water inputs and appear well suited to California conditions.

Harvest Characteristics

Weberi plants are spaced farther apart due to their size. Mature piñas can exceed 400 pounds.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~10–12 years
Spacing: 11 ft rows × 6–7 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~650
Piña weight: 400+ lbs
Clones: Yes

Agave murpheyi

Overview

Murpheyi is native to central Arizona and northern Sonora and is known for its ability to withstand drought and cold temperatures.

Field Performance

In our plantings, murpheyi shows little stress from low water availability or winter cold. Plants begin producing clones after 2–3 years.

Harvest Characteristics

This species grows relatively slowly but can be planted at higher densities due to its smaller size.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~10–12 years
Spacing: ~2–2.5 ft plants on 80-inch beds
Plants per acre: ~2,900
Clones: Yes

Agave potatorum

Overview

Tobalá is a small agave native to Mexico and traditionally associated with high-end mezcal production.

Field Performance

Plants grow slowly and do not produce clones, meaning they are typically propagated from seed.

Harvest Characteristics

Mature piñas are relatively small but valued for the distinctive flavor they contribute to spirits.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~12–15+ years
Spacing: ~2–3 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~5,000
Piña weight: ~50–60 lbs
Clones: No

Agave rhodacantha

Overview

Mexicano is a hardy agave species capable of tolerating both high heat and cooler temperatures.

Field Performance

This species adapts well to a range of climates and has historically been used in mezcal production.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~10–12 years (estimated)
Clones: Yes

Agave deserti var. simplex

Overview

Desert agave is native to Southern California and northern Baja and is highly adapted to arid climates.

Field Performance

Plants are extremely drought tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F. They typically grow in higher elevation desert environments.

Harvest Characteristics

Desert agave does not produce clones and is generally propagated from seed.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~12–15 years
Spacing: ~1.5–2 ft plants on 40-inch beds
Clones: No

Agave salmiana (Pulque Agave)

Overview

Salmiana is a very large agave species traditionally used for pulque production.

Field Performance

Plants are extremely large and heavily armored with spines. They perform best in full sun with well-drained soils.

Harvest Characteristics

Mature plants can produce very large piñas.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~15–25 years
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × 6–7 ft plants
Piña weight: 500+ lbs
Clones: Yes

Agave americana var. oaxacensis

Overview

This variety of Agave americana forms very large plants and is known for its hardiness.

Field Performance

Plants are both drought and frost tolerant and produce numerous clones.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~15–20 years
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × 6–7 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~550
Clones: Yes

Century Plant

Overview

The Century Plant is one of the most recognizable agave species and is widely adapted to many climates.

Field Performance

Plants grow extremely large and tolerate both drought and cold temperatures.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~15–20 years
Spacing: 11–12 ft rows × 6–7 ft plants
Plants per acre: ~550
Clones: Yes

(cuixe, barril, cirial)

Overview

Karwinskii is a tall, upright agave species commonly used for traditional mezcal production.

Field Performance

The plant resembles a yucca and grows vertically rather than spreading wide.

Harvest Characteristics

The piña forms a long, log-shaped core.

Quick Facts

Maturity: ~10–12 years
Spacing: ~3–4 ft plants on 80-inch beds
Plants per acre: ~1,800
Clones: Yes