Opuntia, Prickly Pear Cactus, Spineless Prickly Pear, Nopales, Nopalitos 'Malta'

Opuntia

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Synonym
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Sun Exposure
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Danger
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Hardiness
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Bloom Color
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Other Details
Seed Collecting
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Fruit Shape
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Fruit Size
Orange
Gold (yellow-orange)
Bright Yellow
Fruit Colors
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Growing Habit
Deciduous
Days to Maturity
Seed Type
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
Disease Resistance
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Leaf Type
Foliage Color
Bloom Characteristics
Water Requirements
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Vegetables
Perennials
Cactus and Succulents
Where to Grow
Other details
Propagation Methods
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Plant Size (check one)
Growing Habit
Growth Rate
Leaf Shape
Leaf Appearance
Degree to which the appearance is present
Leaf Texture (top)
Leaf Texture (bottom)
Leaf Color
Color of Leaf Margin
Leaf Substance
Number of Vein Pairs
Appearance of Margin
Margin Width
Flower Shape
Flower Fragrance
Does it set seed?
Flower Size
Flower Type
Blooming Habit
Foliage Habit
Color Patterns
Awards (if applicable)
Seed Type
Growth Habit
Days to Maturity
Awards (if applicable)
Bloom Shape
Other Details
Pruning Instructions
Kernel Color
Flower Shape
Flower Habit
Bloom Size
Color Pattern
Bloom Shape
Pruning Groups
Bloom Diameter
Heat (Pungency)
Fruit Shape
Fruit Size
Fruit Color
Disease Resistance
Seed Type
Flower Size
Size/Type
Flower Characteristics
Leaf Shape/Type
Leaf Texture
Leaf Color
Propagation
Pollination
Bearing Habit
Rootstock Vigor
Disease Resistance
Fruit Usage
Classification
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | April 2014 | neutral

An edible hybrid of Opuntia ficus-indica and most likely Opuntia tuna. Developed by Luther Burbank and introduced in 1907. This hardier B...Read More

Featured
Sickle-Winged Skipper
(Achylodes thraso)
Emperor Goose
(Chen canagica)
Featured
Sickle-Winged Skipper
(Achylodes thraso)
Emperor Goose
(Chen canagica)