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Boasting luscious colors and sculptural shapes, succulents have captivated gardeners all around the globe. But it's not just their good looks that make them so appealing: These living gems are also prized because they need so little care to thrive - and you'll find no better selection in the area than at Succulent Gardens in Castroville.

As you approach the 3-acre nursery, which is in an agricultural region dominated by artichokes and strawberries, you'll know you've arrived when you spot the mass plantings that blanket the property, serving as both demonstration gardens and propagation space. Owner Robin Stockwell changes displays often so visitors can see plants in different stages of growth, learn what a healthy example of each variety should look like and get a sense of how to use them in large groupings.

"The whole idea is to encourage and teach people how to use succulent plants and what the possibilities are," he says.

Just a few miles inland from Monterey Bay, the nursery is a mecca for succulent lovers, and many make the pilgrimage from out of state as well as other countries. Inside Stockwell's greenhouses is a veritable treasure trove of choices: He carries roughly 750 varieties, most of which he and his staff propagate on site, and offers them in sizes ranging from tiny 2-inch pots to whopping 24-inch boxes. You'll also find living picture and wreath kits, vessels and books; another good source for containers is the nearby Pot Stop (2360 Highway 1, Moss Landing; (831) 768-7557. www.littlebajapotstop.com).

Having grown succulents since 1972, Stockwell has seen them go from being a plant group that only collectors coveted to one that has mass appeal. He attributes this not only to design trends, but also to the fact that succulents fit perfectly into today's increasingly smaller living spaces and that they're supremely easy to grow. And now that California is in a state of drought, they have an even greater draw.

"These plants are adapted to environments in which water isn't available for long periods of time," Stockwell says. "As a consequence, succulents from all over the world are really effective at collecting, storing and using water efficiently."

An enthusiastic surfer, Stockwell says, "If I plan to water, and the surf is good, I'll go surfing and water the next day, or even two or three days later. Once plants are established, they can go without water for relatively long periods of time - this could be two to 12 weeks, depending on the maturity and size of the plant - and not be damaged."

To satisfy steadily growing interest, Stockwell regularly offers classes at the nursery, and is always on the lookout for new varieties to add to his offerings. "Castroville is the artichoke capital of the world," he says. "We're trying to change it to the succulent capital of the world."

Though Stockwell says that most succulents are easy to grow, he highlights some of his favorite low-care options here. "Succulents are so tough and forgiving, and can handle a wide range of environments and care - they're almost bulletproof. By definition, that's good for a beginner."

Dramatic, multicolored rosettes grow to 12 to 15 inches across on stems that reach 3 to 4 feet tall. They do best in locations that get at least two to three hours of sun a day, and need to be protected from hard freezes. "They look good with others or alone, and smile at you with a brightness and showiness," Stockwell says.

This relatively new hybrid has reddish, serrated edges and vibrant coral blooms that draw hummingbirds in fall, and often other seasons as well. Growing less than a foot across, it's a top choice in containers and other small spaces. It can handle hot sun as well as freezing temperatures to 25 degrees. In general, aloes are a great group for new gardeners, and many flower from fall through spring when other plants aren't in bloom.

"I'm in love with echeverias," Stockwell says, and 'Lipstick' is an especially hardy one. It has bright green leaves with red edges, and flowers that draw hummingbirds. As rosettes develop, they produce offshoots and the red tips become more and more defined. It's a changing landscape as it matures. This is a cool one to watch over time."

Often used as a groundcover, it has fleshy blue leaves that grow well in both sun and shady environments, though the hue is more electric in shade. "They have this translucence in the leaves, and as the sun changes during the day, the color changes," Stockwell says. "It's magical."

Stockwell emphasizes that succulents are "low maintenance, not no maintenance," and says that the most important thing to know about growing succulents is this: They're just like any other plants. "Everything you know about gardening applies to these plants - they have roots and flowers, and need water, sun, fertilizer, soil and replanting now and then. What's different is that they'll tolerate you abusing them with respect to all of these things." Below are his guidelines for keeping them happy.

Water: You can damage succulents far more by giving too much rather than too little water, so let the soil approach dryness before watering. Try not to let the soil dry out completely (though if this happens, it usually won't kill the plants).

Fertilizer: It's not essential, but if you do use it, give a half dose of any balanced all-purpose fertilizer once a quarter, even during winter.

Soil: Succulents require good drainage and aeration. In containers, you can use a cactus and succulent soil mix. In the ground, if you have heavy soil, amend it with perlite, pumice or crushed lava (which is readily available and the least expensive).

Sun: Grow succulents in a spot that gets at least two to three hours of morning sun. More than that is fine, though in inland areas with scorching summers, you'll want to plant succulents where they won't be blasted by the hottest midday rays.

Pests: Succulents are susceptible to diseases and pests - such as aphids, mealy bug and scale - just like any other plants. If you have an infestation, use the same treatments you'd use elsewhere in your garden.

Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 2133 Elkhorn Road, Castroville; (831) 632-0482. www.sgplants.com.

From Highway 101, exit on Highway 156 West. Go 4 miles west toward Castroville. Turn right at Castroville Boulevard and go 2.1 miles, merge right for .03 miles and turn left onto Elkhorn Road. Go .04 miles to Amaral Road. Turn right. The nursery is on the left.

Julie Chai is a Mountain View freelance writer. E-mail: home@sfchronicle.com