Grwoing Prickly Pear (forum)

Frederick starts with ...
Hi
I have been growing Prickly pear (Optunia Ficus Indica) for 10 years and in that time it has only grown about 1 metre. I have read that they are supposed to be fast growing. Does anyone know what I can do to promote growth? It is in a sunny, dry aspect against a northerly fence. The soil is clayish. Also, does anyone have a problem with those cactus - eating moths? I have seen them in other people's prickly pear in the area and wondering what I can should they attack mine.
Cheers
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Time: 22nd January 2011 9:56pm

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Sydney
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Jason says...
Surprisingly for me I've found they need lots of water and even a good amount of fertiliser to grow well. Just goes to prove Central Mexico has much better soil that you would expect. Well considering they grown in the valley on fresh volcanic soil it makes sense. Treat them like a fruit tree and they will grow very quickly

Time: 23rd January 2011 9:44pm

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About the Author Jason
Portland
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BJ says...
Mine grows in a bed of pretty much dust in a rain shadow (gets wet in storms blowing in from the north). It gets at least one new pad a month. I've thrown pads flat onto the ground and they'll shoot in under a week.

Time: 23rd January 2011 10:03pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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MandaB says...
What do they taste like?

Time: 24th January 2011 9:11pm

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About the Author MandaB
Brisbane
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ringelstrumpf says...
I've eaten them once ages ago and the taste is not great, but not bad. Mostly sweet. The Mexicans cook the leaves as well.

Time: 24th January 2011 10:27pm

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About the Author ringelstrumpf1
Blue Mountains
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Steven says...
Generally they are pretty easy to grow and look after. We used to have prickly pears growing in the backyard with less success than you so we decided to plant a few leaves in the vegetable garden and they shot up instantly, now we have more prickly pears than you can count.

I think the trick is that they like soft loose soil so their roots can get a good foot hold. once they get that i think they are pretty much indestructible

Time: 25th January 2011 7:24pm

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About the Author Steven
Eastern Melbourne
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