Prickly Pear Hardy Cactus aka Nopal
Opuntia tuna
A large padded prickly pear native cactus with yellow, similar to rose, spring flowers. Fruits ripen Oct-Nov in Zone 7 and can be harvested well into the winter. Plant spreads to make a clump. Medium sized red fruit 3" long. Remove small thorns from skin of fruit before handling or eating. Handle with barbeque tongs when planting. De-thorned pads are also used as a vegetable. For cactus "string beans", cut pads in long strips and grill or saute. Fruit pulp is an excellent addition to fruit salads, lending its intense red color as well as flavor. A less care four season ornamental. Space 6' circle Zones 7-9 Zone 6 plant out of the winter prevailing wind
| Plant Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Pest Resistance | Excellent |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent |
| Drought Tolerance | Excellent |
| Heat Tolerance | Excellent |
| Humidity Tolerance | Excellent |
| Sun Tolerance | Excellent |
| Wet Soil Tolerance | Poor |
| Shade Tolerance | Poor |
| No Spray | Excellent |
| Salt Tolerance | Good |
| Deer Resistance | Very Good |
| Thorns | Yes |
| Soil Type | Well Drained |
| Edible Type | Fruit |
| Self Fertile | Yes |
| This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, comments/opinions are always welcome | |