Bring the desert’s brilliance to your home or garden with the Yellow Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), also known as Nopal or Barbary Fig. This iconic cactus produces large golden-yellow flowers that transform into sweet, edible fruits—a favorite in both traditional cuisines and modern gardens.
A drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant, the Prickly Pear thrives in hot, sunny environments and well-drained soil. Its sculptural beauty and edible value make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, container growing, or ornamental displays.
Features
- 🌵 Distinctive Look: Flat paddle-like pads with stunning yellow blooms.
- 🌸 Beautiful Flowers: Large, vibrant yellow blossoms in late spring to early summer.
- 🍈 Edible Fruit: Produces sweet, colorful prickly pear fruits (tunas).
- 💧 Drought Tolerant: Perfect for arid and semi-arid climates.
- 🌞 Low Maintenance: Thrives in full sun and poor soils.
- 🌿 Versatile Use: Ideal for desert gardens, containers, and edible landscapes.
Specifications
- Common Name: Yellow Prickly Pear / Nopal / Barbary Fig
- Scientific Name: Opuntia ficus-indica
- Plant Type: Succulent cactus
- USDA Zones: 8 – 11
- Mature Height: 6 – 15 ft (1.8 – 4.5 m)
- Spread: 6 – 10 ft (1.8 – 3 m)
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Type: Sandy or rocky, well-drained
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Fruit Season: Summer to fall
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO Seeds
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Spring or early summer.
- Seed Preparation: Scarify gently with sandpaper and soak in warm water for 12–24 hours.
- Sowing Depth: Lightly cover seeds (about ¼ inch).
- Soil Mix: Cactus/succulent mix or sandy soil.
- Watering: Mist lightly until germination, then reduce watering.
- Germination Temperature: 75–90°F (24–32°C).
- Germination Time: 2–6 weeks (can vary).
- Transplanting: Move seedlings to individual pots once they reach 2 inches tall.
Care Tips
- Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Provide maximum sunlight exposure for best flowering.
- Avoid frost exposure — cover or move indoors during cold months.
- Wear gloves when handling to avoid contact with spines or glochids.