How to Grow Cactus Pears

Besides being an ornamental flowering plant, the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) is both a vegetable and a fruit, a rare occurrence in the plant world. The pads of this succulent -- technically the plant's stems -- are the vegetable and the summer red pear, called tuna, is the fruit. The cactus pear is sweet, and Utah State University says it provides vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, all antioxidants. Meet the plant's general needs as well as a specific fertilization requirement to grow the pears.

Nitrogen-free fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Grow prickly pear cactus in full sun in sandy soil. The plant also adapts to other soil types as long as they drain within one hour of irrigation or normal rainfall. Learn the usual path wind takes through your garden. Plant the cactus away from it.
- 2
  Water the prickly pear cactus sparingly. Get in the habit of reading the signs the cactus gives. The skin begins to wrinkle when the plant becomes thirsty. Water the cactus on those occasions.
- 3
  Feed the plant a nitrogen-free fertilizer to support flower and pear production. Give the plant a 0-10-10 formula monthly year-round. Apply the nutrient according to the rates listed on the label.
- 4
  Twist the pear off the plant when its spines drop to the ground, a sign the fruit is ripe. Cactus pear harvest season depends on the cultivar. The fruit is ripe anytime from early spring to late fall.

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