Q.Are Agave Really Male And Female?
I ask this question with reference to the blue agave. Many websites say that the agaves which sprout the flowering stalk (quiote) on approaching maturity are female while those that don’t are male that have a dense pack of penquitas where the quiote would have sprouted. H known as the cogollo. How correct is this? Is there anyway to know which are make or female and what decides their ‘gender’ Others say that ALL agaves will sprout quiotes at some point… I understand they are monoecious and can reproduce sexually or asexually with pups or bulbils Could you help me to understand this phenomena?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
From my understanding, they are all "males" and "females" but exhibit inflorescence at different times. "Males will be before maturity, and "females" will be at maturity. Since this is the case, some will bear seed (sexually), while most will propagate via offshoot (asexually).
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/agave-propagation.htm
