HARDY CACTUS - Propagating

It doesn't take very much to propagate these cactus just some patience.  Start by cutting off one of the 'pads'.  Let the cut heal by just sitting it in partial shade (not on the dirt!) for a few days.  Once the cut is healed over, plant it in the ground upright or in a pot with loose well draining soil, and wait a few weeks for it to root.

The yellow blooms come after a drought so not watering the cactus really promotes blooming

Two year old plant from one cutting.  They grow quite quickly

Hardy Cactus

I'm HUGE on different types of hostas in my garden and every spring I usually add one or two or ten different kinds. But a couple of years ago I planted some hardy cactus (Opuntia a.k.a prickly pear), a cactus that thrives on cold winters and drought conditions which has been perfect for the kind of summer I've been having. This is a perfect plant in that hot, dry spot of the your garden where absolutely nothing else will grow.

These plants don't like to be fertilized but do need well draining soil. Ideal soil will be sandy or silty with a good proportion of gravel mixed in for drainage.  My prickly pear has about five hours of sun a day but does seem to do quite well with some shade.

This is a really wonderful addition to a garden!