Prickly pear cactus is a desert delight with culinary charm. Imagine its summer and you cactus is in full bloom vibrant green pads, adorned with blushing flowers, fruit and of course spines standing tall amidst your sun-drenched backyard garden. Opuntia, a cactus that's more than meets the eye has 150 species, 18 of which are in the Americas. This cactus has many uses and many edible parts like the pad or nopale, fruit or tuna to name a few. The fruit is nutrient packed and considered a superfruit is used in everything from drinks, jams, fine cuisine and cosmetics.
Prickly pear genus originated in South America and was used as food, medicine, and dyes. Around 15th century the prickly pear was imported to Sicily and later to Africa and Australia in the 1800s. This cactus and some of its variants is consider to be invasive by some because its very well suited to arid climates and can grow in poor soil. It reproduces by seed or pad that grow root at the spines or glochid when he pad falls to the ground. Today prickly pear is grown commercially in Mexico, Sicily, and United States.
Details:
While its prickly exterior might seem intimidating, the prickly pear holds a treasure trove of culinary delights. From the tangy pads (nopales) to the sweet, juicy fruits (tunas), this desert dweller has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries.
Grow Guide:
- Seeds: Prickly pear seeds have a tough outer coating, so scarification (nicking or scratching) can improve germination rates. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in well-draining soil.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Once established, prickly pears are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering.
- Row Size/Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for their sprawling growth.
- Sun Requirements: Prickly pears thrive in full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Details:
Prickly pears are surprisingly easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors after the last frost. Cuttings should be taken from healthy pads and allowed to callous over before planting. These cacti prefer sandy or rocky soil with excellent drainage. They are drought-tolerant but appreciate occasional deep watering during hot summer months.
This is a very hardy adaptable perennial that can be grown
in many zones depending on variety, full sun, gravel soil. Placement is important some varieties grow 6 inches tall others grow 15 feet tall. If you chose to put these in a container then size of the container matters if it's seed or pad, you want to repot every 2-3 years when the cactus out grows out of the container. Seed sowing or container location needs to be in a place where the cactus can grow and/or doesn't get knocked over by the wind. Sow
Seeds in the spring or early summer when temperatures are 60F or higher. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep, 2-3 feet apart, rows 2-3 feet. Your soil should be gravely or cactus mix. Germination can take 2-6 weeks to 6 months depending on soil temperature and if the seeds were cold-stratified. Seeds do need light to germinate so place in a window sill or use a grow light. Soil should be well drained and can grow in clay sandy, or gravely soils. Once sown your cactus doesn't require much to grow. Some cacti like saguaro require a nurse plant like a tree or other cactus to provide shade.
Water only a fee inches once a month and fertilize in the growing season once a month with 10-10-10, there not big feeders. After that wait 3-4 years until it can bear fruit. Keep in mind prickly pear are very adaptable and will grow so trimming might be necessary depending on space. The pads are edible so keep 2/3 of the plant in place to promote healthy growth.
Harvest:
So you waited the recommended 3-4 years to harvest the fruit, the pads can be harvested or pruned earlier. Now it's time to enjoy the wonderful cactus. Safety is very important. Remember these are cactus with spines that get harder as they age. So when harvesting pads and fruit always use thick gloves, long sleeve shirt, tongs and pruning shears. There are a few methods to harvest the pads. You want to grab and grip the pad with the tongs and cut at the bottom of the pad with the shears making sure everything is stable and secure. If your just harvesting the fruit use the tongs to grip and shears to remove the fruit. Pads can be harvested any time of year.
Pads or nopales can be harvested from a mature cactus up to 6 times a year, and produces 20-40 pads a year. Chose a pad that is light green and 5-6 inches long. Once removed place into a container or heavy duty bag like burlap, plastic doesn't hold up to these very well. Next using tongs and gloves wash the pad rinse and using a knife remove the spines. Next remove the skin being careful. Once that is done the pad is ready to eat raw or cooked. Fruit ripens in early spring to late fall. Follow the same safety steps when removing the fruit they have spines as well.
- Harvesting Pads (Nopales): Harvest young, tender pads in spring or early summer for the best flavor and texture. Use tongs or thick gloves to avoid the spines and glochids.
- Harvesting Fruits (Tunas): Fruits are ripe when they turn deep red, purple, or yellow (depending on the variety). Carefully remove the spines and glochids before consuming.
- Pest Control: Monitor for pests like mealybugs and scale insects. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can help control infestations.
- Winter Protection: In colder climates, protect prickly pears from frost by covering them with burlap or frost cloth.
Tip:
Prickly pear can be used as a living fence or to prevent soil erosion.
Fun Facts:
- Prickly pear leaves are actually flattened stems used to store water and generate flowers. The spines are the actual leaves.
- Prickly pear has a long history of medicinal and culinary use by indigenous cultures in the Americas.
- The pads and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
- Prickly pear cactus has been used to produce everything from dyes and biofuel to livestock feed and skincare products.
- The cochineal insect, which lives on prickly pear cacti, is used to produce a natural red dye called carmine.
Conclusion:
Including a fruit bearing cactus can not only improve your garden yield at little water usage it brings in new pollinators and animals into your garden. They can grow in arid to cooler climates and are a wonderful addition as a food source, living fence or decoration, or all three.
With its unique beauty, culinary versatility, and fascinating history, the prickly pear cactus is a true desert gem. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, adding this plant to your garden can provide both visual appeal and a delicious harvest. So why not embrace the prickles and discover the edible wonders of the prickly pear? It's a culinary adventure waiting to unfold in your backyard!