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Cacti & Succulents

Prickly Pear from seed

18 years ago

I collected some red fruits yesterday. I assume they were ripe because they were red? I believe the species could be a prickly pear (I am in Eastern MO) because it had flat pads, was growing wild, and had red tube shaped fruit. I didn't want to hurt the plant, so I took only a single fruit instead of a pad.

I've seperated the fruit using paper towels, washed the fruit with water, and dried the fruit again in an effort to remove fruit remains (I know some species contain chemicals that inhibit germ.). Should I let the seeds dry for a few days or plant them fresh. I have regular seed starting soil.

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Comments (3)

johnh_or
18 years ago
I think most species of PP need a cold winter treatment before they will germinate. It would probably be best to store them in an airtight container in a cold shed or the bottom of your fridge and plant them next spring.
saturn69
18 years ago
adding to the above I hear you should stratify them and germination takes a decent long time up to 60 days. You wouldn't hurt the plant if you took a cutting people do it all the time as long as it has several pads.
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johnh_or
18 years ago
Adding to what saturn said...PP are very easy to root from cuttings. You won't hurt the plant if you remove a pad. If you choose to go the cutting route...wait until spring to increase your chances of success. Unless you plan to do this indoors that is.

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