On April 8, 2024 swathes of the U.S. experienced a total solar eclipse. Millions looked to the sky to see the rarity. Some people fell into a complete frenzy over it seeing it. However, Space.com points out total solar eclipses occur somewhere on earth every 18 months. According to astronomy.com partial solar eclipses occur from two to five times a year.
An even more rare event is happening now in Plant City’s own Mike Sansone Park. “Century plants” are blooming. “The world of nature is absolutely amazing and we have something really cool happening,” according to Wayne Meyer, the City of Plant City Parks & Recreation Superintendent. “Some folks go a whole lifetime and never witness this natural wonder.”
These agave plants (Agave Americana) are nicknamed “century plants” due to their extremely long life cycle. The plants will live 20 to 50 years before they bloom. Seemingly overnight, not just one, but three agave plants have sprouted stalks that are currently 12 to 15 feet tall, and can reach 30 feet. The stalks look like giant asparagus. This is because agave is in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
The sprouting of these stalks means these plants will soon be flowering to pollinate and reproduce just as most plants do on an annual or perennial basis. “While this sounds like a great time for the plant, it is actually the end,” Meyer said.
A century plant flowers only once in its’ lifetime. After flowering, each of the three agaves in Mike Sansone Park will begin to die. However, as is often the case in nature, the death of these plants is just part of the process. As the agaves are withering, small off-shoots called “pups” appear. These can be replanted to begin the century plant lifecycle again.
If you have a century plant or you want to get one, it is important to care for it throughout its lifecycle if you want to see it bloom and die before you do. Below are a few tips for care from Live to Plant:
Provide adequate water: century plants are drought-tolerant, but they still need water to grow and bloom. Water your plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize your plant: apply a balanced fertilizer to your plant in the spring and summer months to promote growth.
Provide ample sunlight: century plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Place your plant in a sunny location, preferably with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Prune dead leaves: as your century plant grows, it may produce dead leaves. Remove these leaves to prevent disease and promote growth.
People traveled hundreds of miles to places where they could see the April total eclipse. You only need to drive a few miles, bike, or walk to Mike Sansone Park near Park Rd. and Sansone Blvd. to see the three century plants bloom. Blooms could appear any day, but they are difficult to precisely predict. The height at which the agaves will bloom varies depending on when the plant finds it best equilibrium.
Since there are three century plants flowering at the same time it is like seeing three solar eclipses at the same time—how rare is that?
“We welcome you to swing by and take a look at these plants and follow along as we record this process,” Meyer said. “If anyone does decide to follow along and captures some cool photos of their own, please take a moment to share those pictures with the Parks Department at recinfo@plantcitygov.com, or wmeyer@plantcitygov.com.