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

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Cultivar: Malta

Height

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)

Seed Collecting
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Fruit Shape

Fruit Size

Gold (yellow-orange)
Bright Yellow

Fruit Colors
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Growing Habit


Days to Maturity

Seed Type

From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting

Usage

Disease Resistance

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

Hardiness

Bloom Color

Bloom Time

Foliage

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)

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

Ploidy

Color Patterns

Awards (if applicable)

Category

Growth Habit

Class

Bloom Shape

Habit

Other Details

Pruning Instructions

Kernel Color

Division

Flower Habit

Bloom Size

Color Pattern

Group

Pruning Groups

Bloom Diameter

Heat (Pungency)

Fruit Color

Section

Pruning

Size/Type

Flower Characteristics

Leaf Shape/Type

Leaf Texture

Propagation

Pollination

Bearing Habit

Rootstock Vigor

Fruit Usage

Classification