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Topic starter
I ordered some Cylindropuntia imbricata and Opuntia polyacantha seeds. Ive read that some cactus seed can take a year or 2 to germinate. I cant find too much info on growing these guys from seed in general. Ive read cold stratification should work, but some other sites dont mention this at all..
Any advice is welcomed
Thanks
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Posted : 28/03/2013 7:05 pm
I can say this much, they can be hard to start. I would try cold/ and heat. Some start best above the ground.
Good luck! 😀
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Posted : 28/03/2013 7:12 pm
Opuntia seeds germinate all over my garden from May thru July. Try to clean the seed by removing all of the fruit flesh (probably already done if your buying seed). Prepare a container full of well draining soil covered with peastone. Drop the seeds on top of the peastone so they fall into the 'cracks'. Place the container outside. Water weekly and keep in full sun.
Your much colder than my climate so I'm not sure if they will germ outside with this method. If I had to guess, the seeds need to be cleaned of the germination inhibitor and they need to go through a statification period. They they germ at 75F.
Here's a bunch of seedlings in my garden.
<img src= 
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Posted : 28/03/2013 8:54 pm
Topic starter
Thanks Aaron and Tim
I would have to assume there is some sort of inhibitor. I would have to assume they were cold(ish) stored, plus the 2 or 3 weeks in transit during winter. I might get away with it. IF not Ill stratify them for a few weeks in the fridge. I know cacti seeds can take 2 years as well...
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Posted : 28/03/2013 9:29 pm
Opuntia will germinate in their first spring if cleaned and placed outside. Our excess moisture may help further clean the seeds during the fall/winter too.
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Posted : 29/03/2013 11:03 am
Topic starter
Excellent, thanks again
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Posted : 29/03/2013 1:34 pm
With some of the hardy Opuntia species I've actually had success by pouring near-boiling water over the seeds before they're planted!
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Posted : 31/03/2013 12:56 am
C. imbricata is quite easy. I soaked the seeds for 3 days in warm water and placed in moist perlite & vermiculite mix with some bottom heat. After 11 days my eyes witnessed such a beautiful view:
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Posted : 31/03/2013 3:13 am
Topic starter
Camreon - Basically you need to get rid of the germ inhibitors. Funny how COLD temps can do it as well as HOT water.
Marceli - I read up the same way you mentioned to germinate them. Im just scond guessing because usually cold hardy plants need stratification, and I also know a good amount of cacti seeds need this as well (if they germinate too late in the year, they will fry in heat). Good ole internet and conflicting information
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Posted : 31/03/2013 6:29 am
