Yucca Baileyi Data Sheet

• Common names: Navajo Yucca

• Latin name: Yucca Baileyi

• Genus: Yucca

• Height: 4 ft

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7

• Conservation status: Least Concern

Yucca Baileyi is often referred to as the Navajo yucca. The leaves are very long (60 cm) and super narrow (no more than 1 cm), with a light green colour and a tint of yellow. The flower stalks emerge from the trunk and grow upright to a height of around 130 cm. The flowers are white in colour with hints of violet.

This species is native to Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona in the United States. This yucca is small (4 ft), 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.