So I have tried for 2 years now to grow spineless prickly pear cactus to no avail. I must be doing something wrong. I live in South Georgia so climate shouldn't be an issue. Can anyone help?
I am trying to grow it outdoors in my backyard. I just dug a hole in the ground, placed the cactus pad in, and filled the hole with the same dirt I dug. It's just seems to die off. Last year I got a nub or two then it died...Where and how are you trying to grow it? Indoors, outdoors? What isn't working? Is it dying off, or just sitting there not growing?
OutsideI live near Atlanta and I've had no problem growing it. Are you trying to grow it outside or inside?
Hi Jennifer, I live in that part of North Florida that is more like South Georgia than anything else.I am ordering more and going to try again. I think I am going to try several different ways this time. Try some straight planting outside, try some in pots outdoors and some in pots indoors. If I can just get one good rooted and growing, I'll be happy.
Jennifer, that sounds like a good plan to try a bunch of different planting methods. Eventually one will stick. Once they take off they grow like crazy. Prickly pear will grow well from seeds too, though it requires a bit more patience. Once they sprout they'll grow pretty quickly, though.
Lesa, yes, I think potted plants are more vulnerable to cold. Native cactus have an established root system that probably helps to protect them.