SKU: 67513456286
prickly pear cactus fruit season

prickly pear cactus fruit season Eastern Prickly Pear – UJAMAA SEEDS

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Description

prickly pear cactus fruit season Eastern Prickly Pear – UJAMAA SEEDSOpuntia humifusa BOTANICAL SAMPLE Approximately 15 seeds per packet Origins and HistoryEastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa), also known as Devils Tongue or Low Prickly Pear, is a native heirloom cactus species of North America, with a range extending from the eastern United States into parts of Canada and Mexico. It has long held cultural and practical value among Indigenous communities, particularly for its edible fruits and pads, medicinal

Opuntia humifusa

BOTANICAL SAMPLE

Approximately 15 seeds per packet

Origins and History
Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa), also known as Devil’s Tongue or Low Prickly Pear, is a native heirloom cactus species of North America, with a range extending from the eastern United States into parts of Canada and Mexico. It has long held cultural and practical value among Indigenous communities, particularly for its edible fruits and pads, medicinal properties, and drought tolerance. As one of the hardiest prickly pear species, it has adapted over centuries to survive in varied climates, including temperate regions far from the desert Southwest typically associated with cacti.

Appearance and Characteristics
This low-growing, spreading cactus forms mats of flattened, oval-shaped pads that are light green and covered in clusters of small spines called glochids, as well as occasional larger spines. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces striking yellow flowers with red-tinged bases, which attract pollinators such as bees. These are followed by reddish-purple fruits (commonly called "tunas") that ripen by late summer. The plant thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and is a champion of xeriscaping due to its drought resistance.

Culinary Uses
Both the pads (called nopales) and the fruits of Opuntia humifusa are edible. Young pads, harvested when tender, are de-spined and cooked into savory dishes such as stews, tacos, and egg scrambles, often praised for their tart, slightly citrusy flavor and crisp texture. The ripe fruits are sweet and juicy, used in jellies, syrups, beverages, and even desserts. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, the Eastern Prickly Pear has gained attention for its nutritional and medicinal potential.

Days to Maturity
From pad emergence to fruit ripening, the growing cycle varies depending on local conditions but typically spans 90 to 120 days. Flowers generally appear in late May or June, and fruits are ready to harvest by late August through September.

USDA Zones and Growing Tips
Eastern Prickly Pear is exceptionally cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 4 through 9. It prefers full sun and well-drained sandy or rocky soils and can tolerate drought once established. Avoid overwatering, especially in cooler climates where wet soil can lead to rot. It can be propagated easily from pads: simply let a harvested pad callous over for a few days before planting in soil. This heirloom cactus is ideal for container gardening, rock gardens, or naturalized settings in arid or temperate regions.

Harvesting Guidance
Harvest young pads in spring when they are about 4–6 inches long and still tender, wearing gloves to avoid the spines. Use a knife to slice at the joint where the pad connects. For fruit, wait until late summer when the tunas turn a deep purple-red. Twist or cut them from the plant, then use tongs or gloves to remove the glochids by scrubbing, torching, or peeling before consumption. Always handle with care, and harvest sparingly to allow the plant to continue thriving.

REFRIGERATED SEED

This seed has been stored under refrigeration until shipped. Keep in refrigerator (33-38 degrees F) until planting or starting pre-germination seed treatment.

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Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Good for a few weeks for large dogs
Color: Blue
It held up for a few weeks. The arms and tip of the tail were chewed off. Had to throw it away so my dogs wouldnt eat the parts that they chewed off. It kept them busy for a while.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026
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Betty and Bill H.
Draper, US
★★★★★ 3
Dog likes it, but is very hard material around smaller dogs when he is playing and running
Color: Blue
My 22lb dog loves this chew. We have owned it just for one day. He immediately loved it and he races through the house holding it in his mouth like a grand prize. I have concerns to the hardness of the ends of it, the material is very hard, and the tail comes to an end shape that could hurt other pets in a multidog home if it hit or stuck in them. I have two smaller chihuahua dogs, one who has lost an eye so this is something to be careful about with other dogs running with this toy. This may not affect a one dog home. Best to observe the dog while playing with it around others.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
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barb belshe
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Withstands very aggressive chewing
Color: Blue
We have a very active and aggressive chewer. Items identified for aggressive chewers are “Gone in 60 Seconds”. This toy is amazing. It has withstood Jake’s many attempts to destroy it and is one of his favorites! It is not hard like acrylic but is hard rubber with some give decreasing risk of fractured teeth. Best toy yet!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
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Candace McCullough
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Great chew toy
Color: Blue
I bought this almost a year go. My dog is still chewing on it! Nothing last this long with her. She is a 100lb Rottweiler that is a strong chewer.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026
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Dawn Clegg
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 4
Well loved
Color: Blue, Color: Blue
We just got this sweet girl from the shelter a few days ago. She's had this toy for 2 days and already chomped off one of the legs. She does have other toys so she doesn't play with this one all the time but she does like it a lot! It's very hard and durable on the ends. But as you can see, it's not indestructible. She carries this little guy around the house like they're BFFs. It's super adorable.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026

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