Opuntia Cespitosa Seeds Courses

Opuntia cespitosa, commonly known as the tufted prickly pear, is a species of cactus native to parts of Mexico, Central America, and the western United States. This cactus features spiny green pads, yellow flowers, and edible fruits that ripen in the late summer. Opuntia cespitosa is propagated most often from seed, though some gardeners also use stem cuttings for propagation. Seeds of Opuntia cespitosa can be sown in pots filled with sterile soil and kept indoors in sunny location. The soil should be kept warm and lightly moist, though not waterlogged. Planting seeds too deeply can result in poor germination, so bury them no more than 1/8" deep. Full germination usually occurs within 4 to 6 weeks. Once seedlings have developed fully, Opuntia cespitosa should be slowly transitioned to their day-time home outside. If planting in sandy soil, the cactus should be watered only every 10 to 14 days until well established. Then, it is recommended to irrigate once or twice a week in summer and reduce watering in winter. Due to the prickly stems of Opuntia cespitosa, it's important to handle with gloves. The fruits also have thorns, so gloves may be necessary for harvesting as well. When fully ripe, the fruits are a dark red or purple color, with sweet and edible flesh.