Opuntia streptacantha, commonly called giant prickly pear, is a perennial tree to shrub like cactus plant in the Cactaceae family. Opuntia streptacantha is native to eastern and central Mexico. It grows to an average of 14 feet tall at maturity, typically forming a large trunk that has rounded flat spine covered stems that branch out at the crown. Flowers are bright yellow and typically bloom during the fall. Opuntia streptacantha fruit are around 2.5 inches long, have short hair like spines, red skin, and red pulp with small black seeds on the inside. Opuntia streptacantha is primarily grown as a food crop in its native region, but can also be found growing as an ornamental plant in landscaping. New growth cladodes(cactus pads) are edible while fleshy and immature, oftentimes used as a vegetable in Latin American cuisine. Fruits are widely used to make juice, jelly, candy or eaten raw. Opuntia streptacantha thrives in full sun to partial shade sitting in well draining soil. It is drought tolerant, needing more water during summer time and less watering during winter. USDA plant hardiness zone 9a-11b.
Opuntia streptacantha seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain moisture are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or the potting mixture, just enough to cover the seeds. Germinating pots should be kept indoors out of extreme light and heat. Ideal temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F. Germination typically takes 1-2 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.