How to Grow Nopales

Nopales, also known as nopalitos, are the edible pads of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.). Nopales are treated as vegetables, and are peeled, sliced and cooked. They can be included in tacos, soups, omelets and other dishes or served on their own as a side dish. The prickly pear cactus is amazingly easy to grow and requires very little care.

Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the prickly pear cactus an area with sandy soil where it can get full sun.
- 2
  Water the nopales only when the soil is very dry and during periods of extreme drought.
- 3
  Fertilize the nopales only if you aren't growing the paddles for food. Fertilizer causes the paddles to grow larger, which is an undesirable trait for eating but may be desirable for ornamental purposes. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer, at the rate suggested on the fertilizer label, in the spring.

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