Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis terscheckii)
Common Name: Argentine Saguaro
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Please make sure to include the plant type, quantity, and any other details and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!
Please make sure to include the plant type, quantity, and any other details and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!
Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis terscheckii) is a fast-growing columnar cactus from Argentina and Bolivia, often reaching 40 ft tall and producing hundreds of edible fruits and flowers. More water-tolerant than many cacti, it thrives in landscapes or dry farms, and its cold hardiness (5–10°F) has spread it across much of the U.S. and beyond. Fruits can be eaten fresh, made into jams, juices, or even wine, while the plant also serves as a valuable source of carbon capture, biofuels, and forage.
Plant Details
- Type
- Cactus
- Native Region
- Dry regions of Argentina and Bolivia
- Mature Size
- Typically 5 ft; can reach 40 ft tall and 12 ft wide
- Growth Rate
- Slow to medium; grows 1–2 ft per year under good conditions. Maturity may take 5+ years, followed by rapid growth spurts
- Where Excelled
- Widely cultivated in the United States (Washington to Florida, especially Texas and California). Cold tolerance to 5–10°F has made it popular in the landscaping trade worldwide
- Watering
- Low to Medium; can be dry-farmed after establishment or watered weekly/bi-monthly for faster fruit and branch production
- Reproduction
- Propagated by seed or cuttings. Young plants can fruit; mature plants may produce dozens to hundreds of fruits annually
- Uses
- Fruit (fresh, jams, juices, smoothies, pies, ice cream), Alcohol (fruit wine, spirits), Edible flowers, Biofuels, Carbon capture & bioremediation, Ornamental & landscaping, Animal forage & silage, Fruit & branch sales, Seed oils
- Available Sizes
- 4–6” cutting, $19 (free shipping)
- 5 pack (4–6” cuttings), $50 (free shipping)
- 3 ft cutting, $220 (free shipping)
- Climate Observations
- Established plants tolerate 5–120°F, withstand light snow, frost, hail, drought, heavy winds, and extreme heat. Young plants should be planted in rainy season; may sustain slight damage under 20°F
More Photos
Buyer Disclaimer
Agavero Californiano is a wholesale grower. We do not sell to the general public. This website is intended for use by wholesale buyers only—such as farms, nurseries, landscapers, researchers, and other trade professionals. By using this site and its buy links, you confirm that you are purchasing in a wholesale capacity. All visitors are welcome to explore and learn, but please respect our wholesale sales policy.
Shipping & Returns: All shipments contain live plants and returns are not accepted. If your plants arrive damaged or diseased, contact us promptly at sales@agaverocaliforniano.com. We are not responsible for carrier delays but will help with any order concerns. Please plant your order immediately on receipt for best results.
Safety Notice: Many agave and cactus species have sharp spines—please handle with care when unpacking and planting.