Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntiaarmata

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species: armata (arm-AH-tuh)

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements

Sun Exposure

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing

Hardiness

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored