Prickly pear, cactus 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia sp.) is a full-size, sun-loving native that's as beautiful as it is productive. Each order includes one healthy pad — your starting point for a fast-growing plant that will quickly establish itself and begin putting on new growth.

Come blooming season, expect a stunning show of bright yellow flowers that light up the garden. Those blooms give way to the prized fruit known as tuna or prickly pear — a sweet, plum-like delicacy enjoyed fresh, juiced, or turned into syrups, jams, and cocktails.

But the fruit isn't the only edible part — the young pads, known as nopales, are a beloved ingredient in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Harvested when tender, they can be grilled, sautéed, added to eggs, salads, tacos, and more. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, nopales have been a staple food for centuries.

Built for Florida's heat and sun, this cactus is drought-tolerant once established and requires very little upkeep. Whether you're building out a cactus garden, adding texture to a succulent collection, or growing your own edible landscape, this prickly pear delivers on every front.

Growing tips: Plant in full sun with well-draining sandy or rocky soil. Allow the pad to callous for 2–3 days before planting. Water sparingly until rooted.