Opuntia dulcis - Prickly Pear

The Opuntia dulcis is a variety of edible prickly pear cactus that is hardy enough to be grown outdoors in many regions, as long as it is planted in full sun in well-draining soil. It is an elegant Opuntia, with an upright habit and decorative spines, and its fruits have a sweet flavor. Its semi-double corolla flowers in yellow-orange with a red center are attractive in late spring. Hardy prickly pears are grown outdoors, in the ground and away from high-traffic areas, allowing them to express their spirit, reminiscent of the arid landscapes of North America.

The Opuntia dulcis, a close relative of the Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica), is a succulent plant that lacks true leaves and belongs to the cactus family. This botanical species is native to an area ranging from west Texas to Arizona. It is of medium size, with an elegant and upright habit. An adult specimen can reach up to 1.20 m (4ft) in height and have a spread of 80 cm (32in) under optimal growing conditions. Its growth rate is moderate, with the plant producing 1 or 2 new pads per year from spring to autumn. The vegetation consists of pads or cladodes that are stacked on top of each other. They are flat, fleshy, thick, obovate in shape, and measure 16 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) in length and 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) in width. The base of the plant lignifies with age. The glaucous-colored surface of the pads is adorned with large ivory-white spines, which become darker towards the base and are grouped in pairs or fours. Small cushions, called areoles, are covered with tiny transparent spines called glochids, which are very dangerous when handling. The flowering period occurs from late May to July, depending on the climate. Several flowers appear around the edges of the pads, mainly towards their tips. They have a warm yellow colour tinged with orange and a red throat. The rounded cup-shaped flowers consist of several fine and slightly translucent petals, giving way to fruits that are red-purple when ripe, with an oblong to obconical shape, measuring 3.5 to 4.5 cm (1 to 2in) in length and 2.5 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter. These fruits are smooth, with a few rare glochid-covered areoles and almost devoid of spines. The juicy and sweet pulp of the fruit can be pink, violet, red, or greenish.

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in not-too-cold regions, this Prickly Pear is astonishing in a minimalist setting. It is spectacular against a backdrop of rocks and blue sky, and naturally structures exotic and contemporary landscapes. It will effectively protect the boundaries of a dry and wild garden. It can be paired with hardy agaves, Nolinas, and tree-like Euphorbias. Associate it with relatively hardy columnar cacti such as Cleistocactus strausii or Cylindropuntia imbricata. Keep it away from pathways and children due to its formidable spines.

Tasting the fruits: Care should be taken to remove the tiny, formidable spines by "flaming" them like poultry. Then cut them in half and scoop out the pulp.

Attention, the opuntia may be tough, but its joints are particularly brittle! If a pad falls during transport or handling, don't worry, it's what allows this conqueror to spread in nature; each fallen pad is capable of generating a whole new plant! This is a great opportunity to have a new Opuntia: simply leave the pad exposed to the air for a few days until the tissue heals. Then plant this pad vertically, burying 1/3 of its surface, in a well-draining pot with a mix of sand and potting soil. Place it in the sun, water it when you remember, and it will grow effortlessly!