Where can I buy a prickly pear cactus?

The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia. It has the largest range of any cactus in the United States and can be found from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts. It is also found in Ontario.

Is it hard to grow prickly pear cactus?

Prickly pears are easy to grow. They need well-drained soil and can survive on rainwater after established. During rooting, the plant should be irrigated every two or three weeks.

Can prickly pear be a houseplant?

Prickly pears and other Opuntia species are very popular desert cacti grown as houseplants. They are highly ornamental, made up of segmented stems of wide, flat, thick pads that are covered in spines.

How long does it take for a prickly pear cactus to bear fruit?

3 to 4 years
Initial growth from seed is slow and it may take 3 to 4 years before your plant produces flowers and fruit. The seeds need shade to germinate and should be kept moist until that time. Propagation from pads is much simpler and yields faster results.

How long do prickly pear cactus live?

They are known to live well over 20 years. There are several different varieties of prickly pear cactus each growing to different sizes. The most common species in the Sonoran Desert is the Engelmann prickly pear which grows up to 5 feet tall and can grow to a width of 10-15 feet.

Can prickly pear survive winter?

Able to withstand temperatures as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s safe to say that the Brittle Prickly Pear cactus could last throughout winters practically all over North America.

What is the lifespan of a prickly pear cactus?

20 years
They are known to live well over 20 years. There are several different varieties of prickly pear cactus each growing to different sizes. The most common species in the Sonoran Desert is the Engelmann prickly pear which grows up to 5 feet tall and can grow to a width of 10-15 feet.

What is the fastest growing cactus?

Echinopsis terscheckii One of the largest of the Echinopsis species, this fast-growing, attractive, columnar cactus reaches heights of twenty-five feet or more…

Can I leave my cactus outside in winter?

In areas with plenty of snow cover, hardy cacti easily survive. In areas with harsh winds and sun but little snow, cacti can become sunburned or frostbitten. To prevent damage, carefully cover the plants with burlap as late in the season as possible.

How do you start a prickly pear cactus?

Plant the Seeds Prepare small containers for the seeds, each of which must have drainage holes. Use a cactus or seed-starting soil mixture (just like you would for propagating cuttings). Moisten the soil well. Plant the prickly pear cactus seeds very shallowly.

How often do you water a prickly pear cactus?

Watering Frequency Young prickly-pear cacti need to be watered only once every two to three weeks during the hot and dry summer months.