Yucca Campestris Data Sheet

• Common names: Plains Yucca

• Latin name: Yucca Campestris

• Genus: Yucca

• Height: 24" (2 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7a - 10b

• Conservation status: Not found

Yucca Campestris is often referred to as the Plains yucca. The leaves are very narrow, just 15 mm wide and light green in colour, reaching a length of 24" (2 ft). The leaves are covered with lots of fine hairs and spread outward from the center, creating a plant up to 4 feet wide. This yucca flowers in the spring, producing a 2 ft tall upright flower stem. The flowers are bell shaped and white with a hint of cream.

This species is native to Texas in the United States and is frost hardy.

Pregermination

These seeds need no pretreatment as such. Germination time can be reduced by soaking the black seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the hard shell prior to sowing. Once soaked, fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 10 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Compost should be kept damp, not soaking wet or dried out. A temperature of between 60F and 70F is perfect for yucca germination. Place pots or trays on a cool to warm windowsill or in a cool conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks, depending on the soaking process, germination can take up to 8 weeks.

Post Germination

Keep seedlings in a bright, well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease; a windowsill is ideal. Ensure they don't dry out or become waterlogged. These seedlings will quickly develop a large root system. They can be separated into 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside all year. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.