Carnegia gigantea, the Giant Saguaro, is perhaps the most recognizable cactus in the world. Though it is re-stricted to Southern Arizona (and a small patch of California) and Northern Mexico, the large, armed figure has become an icon of cacti (and deserts) in general.

The saguaro can attain heights of 50 feet and it’s bat-pollinated white flowers generally bloom at night. It is a very slow starter, taking as long as 10 years to grow the first inch from seed. It then grows at a moderate rate and wild specimens can flower in 40 years. Flowering occurs when the plant reaches 8 feet tall. Thankfully, additional water and fertilizer speed it up greatly.

It is a winter and late-summer grower which fits our climate well if we water it in August and September. It is quite hardy, though seedlings need a little protection from frost. Many large plants can been seen in the San Joaquin valley if you know where to look (and don’t confuse them with the tall Trichocereus). Some large specimens can be found at C.A.L.M..

The Saguaro in the garden at Cal State was one of the first cacti to be planted. It has grown considerably the last several years and is approaching 8 feet tall – which means we should keep an eye out for the first flowers!