Prickly Pear Seeds

A prickly pear is a type of cactus that develops by growing pads.

After about three years of growth they will develop flowers.

Growing prickly pear cactus from seeds is possible but an easier way is by cutting off a pad and transplanting.

You need to remember this type of cactus is native to an arid desert environment with a lot of direct or filtered sunlight but can survive in a partially shaded location.

Germinating Seeds

Fold a piece of sandpaper so that the gritty side is inside.

Place the prickly pear cactus 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; you just want to lightly scratch the outside seed coat.

Repeat the procedure with each seed you will be germinating.

Throw the seeds into a small bowl filled with room temperature water and soak them overnight.

Combine 1 part each of sand and sphagnum peat moss or coco coir and water it until it is evenly moist.

Pour the mixture into the germination container, to within 1 inch of the rim.

Lay the prickly pear cactus seeds on top of the planting medium and cover with a very light layer of sand (about one-eighth inch).

Use water in a spray bottle to lightly spray the sand.

Place the heat mat in an area that remains out of direct sun and set the thermostat to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Set the germination container on top of the heat mat and keep the soil slightly moist at all times.

Prickly pear cactus germination may be erratic.

Look for the seeds to sprout in as few as five days, and up to 180 days.