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How To

How to Grow Golden Barrel Cactus

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

People who enjoy growing cacti and adding them to their plant beds are likely to enjoy the Golden Barrel cactus. These plants have an unusual color, which gives them their name. You can buy seeds for this cactus, propagate seeds from existing cacti or purchase baby Golden Barrel cactus to get started.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cactus and the seeds
  • Syringe
  • Germination trays
  • Tweezers
  • Propagation trays
  • Pots
  1. Step 1

    Save money by growing Golden Barrel cactus from seed. If you don't already have some golden barrel cactus, buy seeds from a nursery. To collect seeds from a cactus that you already have, wait until a flower falls off. Remove the fruit, or pod, that was under the flower.

  2. Step 2

    Open the pod gently to expose the seeds. Remove the seeds and place them in a container of water. Leave them in the water overnight.

  3. Step 3

    Fill germination trays with soil. Suction the seeds with some water into a syringe. Use a syringe because the seeds are so small. Carefully squeeze the seeds into the germination trays.

  4. Step 4

    Place the germination trays in the sun and maintain the moisture level in the trays. Look for sprouting cactus in 4 to 6 weeks.

  5. Step 5

    Use a pair of tweezers to transfer the baby cactus from the germination trays to propagation trays. Do this after they have begun to sprout needles. The reason for using the tweezers is to protect your hands from the needles and to protect the cacti from damage.

  6. Step 6

    Transfer the cacti to small pots after the first year. After the second year, transfer the cacti to your plant beds. The needles should be strong enough to protect themselves.

Tips & Warnings
  • For healthy growth, place the Golden Barrel cactus in full sun.
  • If you purchase a Golden Barrel cactus from a nursery, ask the plant's age. If you intend to plant it outside, ask when it is safe to do so.
  • Too much watering can cause root rot. Don't water too often and make sure the area in which you plant the cacti has good drainage.

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