Stiff rosette-forming succulent of the Yucatán peninsula, grown commercially across the dry tropics for the long stiff leaf fibre used for rope, twine, matting and dartboard backing.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H2 | 1 °C to 5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Leaf fibre extracted by decortication (mechanical scraping) from mature leaves — each leaf yields fibres up to 1.2 m long
- Distinct from Agave americana (already in the database as `agave`) — sisal has narrower leaves with smaller marginal spines and produces commercial-grade fibre
- Plant flowers once after 7–15 years, produces bulbils, then dies — replant from bulbils for continuous production
- Drought tolerant and salt tolerant — the principal commercial crop on poor dryland soils across Mexico, East Africa and Brazil
- Not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada — Canadian zone values shown represent the system maximum and do not imply garden cultivation north of the warmest coastal pockets.
Pet caution: Sisal is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Sisal against your zones