Fast-Growing Saguaro in Texas: 12 ft in 20 Years Is Normal With Water

Saguaro Growth Rate: 3 ft (1992) → 12 ft Now; Brother's 4 ft → 7 ft

Owner in Del Rio, TX asks if this exceeds normal saguaro growth (literature says slow).

Water Accelerates Growth Dramatically

Greg explains: wild saguaros get ~7 in rain/year; irrigated ones grow much faster. Also, saguaros grow faster as they get larger—60 years to 3 ft, then rapid vertical growth. As long as no splitting (from excess water), it's healthy.