Expert: Maureen - 1/8/2010

Question
Hi Maureen,

I live in Berkeley, ca.  I was wondering if I could plant my potted Aloes (big Ferox, Striata, Barrel Cactus and few agaves (Attenuada, Cameronii, etc) out into the garden now?  

I understand that I could plant winter grower aloes and even few summer grower agaves in the winter in zone 9b as long as the new plant location is not watered and kept dry for a few days.  I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
Zac

Answer
I'm not all that familiar with your climate but as long as there isn't a freeze or frost I think you could put them out. I have a cold hardy cactus garden and mulch it with a lot of gravel and the soil contains a lot of sand just so everything drains well.  Of course my garden in under snow now and the cacti look dead!

Your agave should do fine.  These plants tolerate pretty cool temps.  It too much moisture that kills them.

You seem to know what you're doing.  What a nice collection.

Take a picture and send it to me.

I just wanted to add that Huntington Botanical Gardens ( I believe it is in the LA area would be a good resource for you)

How have you made out?