Prickly Pear & Water Requirements

Water

• Prickly pears are quite drought tolerant and require very little supplemental watering. Newly transplanted prickly pears do well if watered every two to three weeks. Established plants generally do fine with rainfall alone, although you should water shriveled or wilted prickly pears. The cactus has a very short tolerance of wet soils and quickly succumbs to life-threatening root rot if grown in a soil that is consistently flooded.

Location

• Exact hardiness varies depending on species. Hardy prickly pear is a cold-hardy species that may be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 10. Plants require full sunlight to truly thrive. Like other cacti, prickly pears require an extremely well-draining sandy or rocky soil, or a commercial potting mix. Prickly pears are tolerant of infertile, alkaline soils, though they quickly suffer if grown in heavy or poorly draining soils.

Propagation

• Prickly pear is usually propagated by division, though it may also be propagated with some effort by seed. Cut off pads with hand clippers, taking care to avoid the sharp spines. Allow cut surfaces to dry, then plant the cut pad in damp, sandy soil. Pads propagate easily and often grow even if just left on the soil surface. Transplant in a sunny location.

Features

• Prickly pears offer edible fruits called tunas that have a sweet, pulpy flesh. The young leaves of the plants, called nopales, are also eaten raw or cooked. Leaves taste similar to green beans, while fruits have a watermelonlike flavor. Prickly pears work well in a rock garden and may be cultivated in a container as long as there is a hole for drainage. Animals such as quail, wild turkey and foxes feed on the plant's fruits, while raccoons and white-tailed deer browse on the foliage.