prickly pear cactus thorns
dirtaddshp
16 years ago
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red_sea_me
16 years agoalbert_135 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Prickly Pear aka Nopal cactus
Comments (10)I know Kansas well. I'm really from Oklahoma, I just happen to live in Raleigh NC at the moment. I've spoken to a guy in California that sent away for opuntia pads from the research station in Bolivia and they sent him some. I'm not sure what sort of credentials he needed but I believe he just explained what he was interested in and they sent him what they had that fit his criteria. There are US Dept of Ag research stations that will send private gardeners plants - you just have to wait a while. They are set up to provide samples to Universities and researchers but if they have material available they will share with the general public. I have had no problem growing prickly pear from seed. With a greenhouse you can keep them growing all year and get sizable plants in a couple of years. You might also just test out different growing methods to see if anything will affect fruit production and quality. I have a completely thornless Opuntia in my garden that seems hardier than most but it rarely blooms or fruits - but that would be another direction to explore. I just got back from Mexico, where I ate grilled cactus pads often. Once the weather warms up and the young pads start to fill out I plan on testing out that technique at home....See MoreLooking for red-fruited/edible prickly pear cactus..
Comments (1)Rick, I only got the yellow kind. I got one red flowered one that is only one pad and have to wait for it to grow. I got it from Miles to Go for only $5 each. Stush...See MorePrickly Pear Cactus?
Comments (2)Opuntia lindheimeri var. linguiformis would be my guess. The so-called 'Cow's-Tongue Pricklypear'...See MoreSick Prickly Pear Cactus
Comments (2)There are several diseases that attack prickly pear. The usual cause is a too moist environment, and allowing the plant and soil to dry completely between watering may help. However, some diseases are fatal and can spread to nearby plants. Here is INFO on the most common. Start by separating this plant from others. Keep the pads dry; a south-facing window will ensure enough sun while avoiding rainy weather. Because it can be difficult to tell the difference between pathogens, I suggest you spray the plant with Physan 20 available HERE as well as from Amazon. Physan 20 is powerful and you should wear gloves, goggles, and a long sleeved shirt while applying, but it does work against serious plant diseases. Repeat application after 10 days....See Morered_sea_me
16 years agodirtaddshp
16 years agobuick48
15 years agojoscience
15 years agodufflebag2002
15 years ago
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