How to Grow Edible Cactus? Latest Cultivation Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Cactus is also known as cactus pad, dragon tongue, Guanyin palm, etc. It originated in the tropical arid desert regions of the Americas and has many species and a very wide distribution. According to statistics, there are more than 2000 species in 140 genera of cactus worldwide. Mexico is the main distribution area of cactus, with very rich plant resources, and enjoys the title of the Kingdom of Cactus. The edible cactus is a new variety developed through many years of selective breeding that can be used as a vegetable, fruit and medicine. Edible cactus ranks fifth in vegetable production in Mexico, becoming one of the widely consumed vegetables.

Growth Habits

Edible cactus is a perennial plant that likes sunlight, is drought-tolerant and tolerant of poor soil, but is not cold-tolerant and dislikes waterlogging; the stem pads have few or no spines, the stem segments are flat, oval or elliptical in shape, with pad area of about 15 cm × 40 cm.

Edible and Medicinal Value

According to analysis results from China's Vegetable System Engineering Technology Research Center: the nitrogen content and crude protein content of Milpa Alta cactus are basically on par with vegetables such as head cabbage, lettuce and cucumber, belonging to vegetables with relatively low protein content. The contents of water-soluble amino acids, cellulose, vitamin C, β-carotene and soluble sugars are all not particularly high. The organic acids are mainly citric acid and malic acid, with no oxalic acid detected. The contents of potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, strontium and silicon are all at relatively high levels compared with other vegetables. The content of flavonoids (rutin, quercetin) and polysaccharides is relatively high, making it a vegetable with development potential.

Because edible cactus contains various minerals as well as citric acid, malic acid, vitamins and cellulose, it has the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation, clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting metabolism, and lowering blood sugar and blood lipids; in particular, it does not contain oxalic acid, which is extremely beneficial for the human body's absorption of calcium, making it an excellent choice for calcium supplementation in children and middle-aged and elderly people. In addition, during cultivation, pests and diseases rarely occur, so pesticides are also used less, making it a truly green food.

Cultivation Techniques

Edible cactus is easy to grow, highly resistant and has few pests and diseases. One planting can provide continuous harvesting for many years, with advantages such as saving time, labor and cost.

1. Site selection: For planting edible cactus, it is best to choose sandy soil plots with good drainage, fertile soil and ample sunlight.

2. Planting time: Edible cactus can be planted in all four seasons, but the most suitable temperature for planting is 20-30°C, and the survival rate can reach over 95%. The soil should not be too wet when planting. If the soil is too wet, anaerobic microorganisms in the soil will multiply in large numbers, causing the seed stems to rot and reducing the survival rate, so planting is prohibited on rainy days. Before planting, place the cut new pads in the sunlight to dry until the wounds lose water and become dry, then disinfect with lime sulfur mixture before planting.

3. Planting specifications: When planting, raised beds are required, with bed width (including furrows) of 1.2 m, height of 15-25 cm, and sufficient decomposed organic fertilizer applied. Planting specifications: 2 rows per bed, plant spacing of 40 cm, row spacing of 60 cm, 1600-1800 pads planted per mu, planting depth of 2/5 of the cactus pad, with the pad facing the sun (i.e., east-west orientation), so that both sides of the pad can receive sufficient sunlight in the morning and afternoon, which is beneficial for photosynthesis.

4. Fertilizer and water management: Keep the soil moist after planting. When the sprouts grow to 6 cm after planting, the first fertilization can be carried out; the second fertilization is after harvesting, to promote continued sprouting of the cactus. It is best to apply decomposed organic fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed during the dormancy period of cactus.

5. Earthing up: During the growth process of cactus, as the weight of the above-ground part increases, soil should be earthed up in a timely manner to prevent the plants from lodging.

6. Pest and disease control: According to trial planting observations, edible cactus has very few pests and diseases. If bacterial diseases are found, fungicides can be used for control, and for pests, insecticides can be used for control, all of which can achieve good results.

7. Harvesting: For stem pads used as vegetables, they can be harvested within one and a half months after sprouting. The older the stems and leaves, the higher the acidity; the more tender the pads, the lower the acidity. Harvesting too early affects yield, while harvesting too late increases acidity. Attention should be paid to timely harvesting in production. For stem pads used as planting material, the growth period should reach more than 6 months to ensure the survival rate when planting.

In addition, when the temperature drops to 5°C, insulation work should be done well, as edible cactus is susceptible to frost damage below 0°C. Measures such as nylon film or straw mulching can be used for insulation.