Germination of Opuntia Humifusa Seeds

If you can get around the spines, Opuntia humifusa, the Eastern prickly pear cactus, is a tasty treat. Common in a wide variety of regions across the United States, O. humifusa grows in deserts, prairies, grasslands and woodlands. Officially, the plant is hardy from zone 5 through 10 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The seeds may be a challenge to germinate, so don’t give up if they don’t sprout right away. Once the plants are established, plan on harvesting the fruit within one to two years. Start Opuntia humifusa seeds indoors and in the early spring.

Sandpaper
Small bowl
Sand
Sphagnum peat moss
Loam
Germination container
Heat mat
Individual planting pots
Cactus mix

Instructions

- 1
  Fold a piece of sandpaper so the gritty side is inside. Place the Opuntia humifusa seed inside the folded sandpaper and with one palm under the sandpaper and one on top, rub the enclosed seed to lightly abrade the outside coat. Avoid cutting into the seed. Repeat the procedure with each seed you will be germinating.
- 2
  Soak the prickly pear cactus seeds overnight in a bowl of room temperature water.
- 3
  Combine one part each of sand, sphagnum peat moss and water it until it is evenly moist. Pour the mixture into the germination container, to within 1 inch of the rim. Lay the O. humifusa seeds on top of the planting medium and cover with 1/8-inch layer of sand.
- 4
  Spritz the sand lightly with water from a spray bottle.
- 5
  Place the heat mat in an area that remains out of direct sun and set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the container on top of the heat mat and keep the soil slightly moist at all times.

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