The Tropical Fruit Forum

Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade => Topic started by: nullzero on March 15, 2013, 03:19:15 PM

Title: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 15, 2013, 03:19:15 PM
I have gotten an over whelming interest in top tier Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) pads. Unfortunately, my plants are container bound at the moment and availability is limited to pads until summer. I have talked to many people some I have promised pads for sourcing, trading, or sale. For those that are interested in being added to the list please add a message below.

The pad cost is going to be $4 per pad + shipping, pads are medium to large in size. If I agreed to a trade, remind me what it was. I think this is fair price to help cover the fertilizer inputs, cost of driving (for selections), and keeping up the collection.

Here is the list of what I have available.

Opuntia sp.: Cerritos #2
Extra Large Red/Orange Fruit with a sweet taste, extremely productive medium hard seeds. Potentially good processing fruit (juice, wine, puree). Might be prone to rotting fruit if not harvested in timely manner.

Opuntia sp: Visalia Yellow
Large yellow fruit, with refreshing moderate sweet flavor. This is one of those prickly pears that makes you easy want to crave more. Moderate amount of hard smaller seeds. Upright growth habit, moderate production.

Opuntia sp: Torrance PCH#1
Large red fruit with red interior. Excellent sweet flavor with subtle watermelon taste. Soft small seeds that can be broken down by teeth. Low spreading growth habit. Fruit resistant to rotting due to moisture/humidity. Fruit holds on plant for months through the winter, while maintaining great eating qualities. Production moderate to low.

Opuntia sp. Jeronimo M.V.
Large orange fruit with orange interior. Excellent honeydew melon taste. Soft small seeds. Moderate production.

All PARL accessions were selected for high BRIX over 12.
Opuntia sp. PARL 244
Medium sized yellow with orange interior fruit. Excellent honeydew melon taste. Precocious and single fruit was seedless (this may be due to no cross pollination occurring, also pad was smaller) This year I can confirm if this happens again. Differs slightly from NALPGRU description. So I am not sure if this is due to different growing conditions or size of plant.

Opuntia sp. PARL 237
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 246
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 253
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 254
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 256
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 262
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. PARL 342
You can look up accession in the system. Will add more info while growing it.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/site.pl?PARL)

Opuntia sp. P.V. Spineless #1
Upright vigorous grower, growing near the ocean in SoCal. Fruit is Yellow/Red Medium/Large. Unfortunately, I was unable to taste any of the ripe fruit. The fruit is readily consumed by the local wild life, where as many other Opuntia sp. are left behind.




Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Rtreid on March 15, 2013, 03:28:04 PM
Null please add me to the list.  Your devotion to these plants is infectious and you now have me wanting to try my hand at them.

Richard
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: edself65 on March 15, 2013, 03:29:13 PM
Hi Stephen,

Please,add me to the list!

I will take one of each!

Thanks,

Ed
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: davidgarcia899 on March 15, 2013, 03:56:05 PM
Hey same for me, one of each
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 15, 2013, 03:58:39 PM
Oh boy you guys are going to put me to work  :P. I may have to start getting grafting down really well on this. I want to add more Opuntia sp., but I think that this list is enough to work off of right now lol. I promised some to Fang as well, anyway it will be nice to see him posting under here.

Btw, my profile picture is Opuntia sp. Torrance PCH#1.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: FlyingFoxFruits on March 15, 2013, 05:28:00 PM
My pads are doing great.  I'll be bugging you for some pads again soon!

Jeronimo MV...one of best cactus fruit I've tasted...beautiful too.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: cbss_daviefl on March 15, 2013, 05:40:30 PM
Add me to the list for Opuntia sp: Visalia Yellow, Opuntia sp: Torrance PCH#1, Opuntia sp. Jeronimo M.V., Opuntia sp. PARL 244

Thanks for making these available.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: natsgarden123 on March 15, 2013, 06:23:38 PM
Hi- these remind me of Israel-its called Sabra there

Can you please put me down for a few?

thanks
Nat
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on March 15, 2013, 06:36:41 PM
Oh wow, that's a lot of interest. If it tastes good I'm interested.

One thing to do is try to grow them close together so their roots touch and they feel safe. Otherwise they will grow long needles for defense, especially when they're small.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 15, 2013, 06:47:19 PM
I am going to be referencing this thread. Please remember there will be some wait. Some of these I only have 2 main pads of. So this years growth, and hardening off of that growth will determine availability.

Fang,

These selections all taste good to great. These selections I would say are top tier fresh eating fruit even considering the glochids.Cerritos #2 is a little lower on the fresh eating category, but its very high productivity and size make up for it for juice.

I think that most spineless selections will stay mostly spineless with some having occasional small spine suckers. I don't have a Opuntia sp. that I have observed going from spineless to long needles. This sounds like it could be possible in some selections.

I have found Opuntia sp. to be highly adaptable. I even have some growing in 80% shade and it alters its coloration and growth habit drastically. Only some of the Opuntia experience poor tolerance to wet conditions. The ones that have problems are with the wet + cold.

I wish I could share fresh fruit with all those that are skeptical of great taste :).
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: davidgarcia899 on March 15, 2013, 07:33:50 PM
I want one of each of the first 5 you posted
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: luc on March 15, 2013, 07:51:20 PM
Not sure if this fits in the post but it sure is a prickly pear.
(http://s14.postimage.org/kw6ln2oi5/Dscn0043.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/kw6ln2oi5/)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Jsvand5 on March 15, 2013, 08:46:02 PM
I'll take one P.V. Spineless #1, one Jeronimo M.V., one Torrance PCH#1, and one Visalia Yellow. Just let me know when you are ready to ship. Thanks.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: jb_fla on March 15, 2013, 09:56:42 PM
Null

I would like one pad of Visalia yellow, torrance pch 1, and jeronimo mv.

Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 16, 2013, 01:37:09 AM
Torrance PCH#1 and Jeronimo M.V. I should be able to fill requests within 2 months. I can make future trips to the mother plant. Visalia Yellow unfortunately will probably only have 2 pads available later in the year. Torrance PCH#1 and Jeronimo M.V. are both on the top in the taste.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Saltcayman on March 16, 2013, 02:55:38 AM
I would be interested in a few when they are available. Thanks,  Dave
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: emegar on March 16, 2013, 11:08:15 AM
Nullzy,

I'll take one each of Torrance PCH#1 and Jeronimo M.V. when they're available.  Thanks.

James
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 16, 2013, 08:07:44 PM
I should be able to fill orders for the first 6 who wanted Jeronimo MV and Torrance PCH#1 within 3 weeks. For the rest it may be a while until July or so. The rest that I listed here have lower amounts of pads available atm, so it may take until the end of the year for new pads.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Felipe on March 17, 2013, 05:33:11 PM
I'm interested in any of those cvs. The Jeronimo you send me is growing. The two other pregerminated pieces of pad rotted :(
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 17, 2013, 05:38:11 PM
I'm interested in any of those cvs. The Jeronimo you send me is growing. The two other pregerminated pieces of pad rotted :(

Felipe,

So sorry to hear, at least you got Jeronimo growing, thats a top tier fruit.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Xeno on March 18, 2013, 02:25:25 AM
I'd be interested in 1 of: Cerritos #2, Visalia Yellow, Torrance PCH#1, and Jeronimo M.V. Though Cerritos #2 sounds like the prickly pad I have at my house....
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: xshen on March 18, 2013, 12:18:09 PM
kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits? No matter how much I try to avoid the thorns, I always end up getting pricked on my hands and sometimes even my lips when I eat them.  The fruit sold in store usually have their thorns removed.  I wonder how they're processed.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 18, 2013, 12:29:30 PM
kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits? No matter how much I try to avoid the thorns, I always end up getting pricked on my hands and sometimes even my lips when I eat them.  The fruit sold in store usually have their thorns removed.  I wonder how they're processed.

There are a few ways to harvest easily.

The most professional way would be thick leather gloves using a heat knife to cut off the fruit. The heat knife would insure the cut off gets sealed, so the fruit would have a longer shelf life up to about a month.

Or you can use metal or plastic tongs and twist/pull until it comes off. After the fruit is off you can scrub with a coarse cloth and running water. Or you can take metal tongs and hold the fruit over a flame such as a gas stove, propane burner, or grill. Burning off the glochids should take about 30 secs over a flame while rotating.

After any of the above methods wash off with some pressure water.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Pancrazio on March 20, 2013, 08:38:53 AM
it sure is a prickly pear.

Looks like a perevskiopsis... i've never seen the fruits.

kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits?

This is what is used here:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hqz7FufxCXU/Tm2UhaJE31I/AAAAAAAAB8A/7xc2hq_-3Yw/15_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800 (http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hqz7FufxCXU/Tm2UhaJE31I/AAAAAAAAB8A/7xc2hq_-3Yw/15_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 20, 2013, 11:12:23 AM
it sure is a prickly pear.

Looks like a perevskiopsis... i've never seen the fruits.

kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits?

This is what is used here:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hqz7FufxCXU/Tm2UhaJE31I/AAAAAAAAB8A/7xc2hq_-3Yw/15_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800 (http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hqz7FufxCXU/Tm2UhaJE31I/AAAAAAAAB8A/7xc2hq_-3Yw/15_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800)

Nice I need one of those harvesters :). I actually need a nice heat knife I can hook upto a cart with a car battery.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Xeno on March 21, 2013, 12:51:47 AM
kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits? No matter how much I try to avoid the thorns, I always end up getting pricked on my hands and sometimes even my lips when I eat them.
I usually use tongs to remove the fruit from the pad. I then grab a long knife. I hold the fruit down with the tongs with one hand then use my other hand to grab the knife and cut the fruit. I work on removing the outer layer of skin and bam, it should peel off. Don't forget to compost the outer skin!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on March 21, 2013, 01:06:06 AM
The Powder Canyon tail in Rowland Heights has opuntia covering a good portion of the hillside. I want to try some of the fruits. What time do they normally ripen? I will take gloves, knife, and plastic bucket. Anything I'm missing?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 21, 2013, 01:13:19 AM
kinda off topic but how do you guys harvest the fruits? No matter how much I try to avoid the thorns, I always end up getting pricked on my hands and sometimes even my lips when I eat them.
I usually use tongs to remove the fruit from the pad. I then grab a long knife. I hold the fruit down with the tongs with one hand then use my fedd hand to grab the knife and cut the fruit. I work on removing the outer layer of skin and bam, it should peel off. Don't forget to compost the outer skin!
, and the fruit last longer. Nice description, I love eating them right away like that :). Skins are nice though since it keeps the fruit flies etc away.

I want to try this exact method for table fruit keeping. Heat knife for the cut, with light burn off of glochids around the fruit. Wash with cool water, then scrub with coarse cloth.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 21, 2013, 01:18:59 AM
The Powder Canyon tail in Rowland Heights has opuntia covering a good portion of the hillside. I want to try some of the fruits. What time do they normally ripen? I will take gloves, knife, and plastic bucket. Anything I'm missing?

They start ripening around June and last until Fall. Some will hold the fruit perfectly intact until Winter. If the fruits are any good it wont stay on the plants when ripe, those critters are keen to good fruit. I have noticed certain Opuntia sp. populations having its fruit cleared out in a matter of days, while other native Opuntia sp. remain untouched.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on March 21, 2013, 01:35:50 AM
Great. I will go try some when the time comes. I don't like SoCal hiking because it's so dry and there's no fruits along the path, no mushrooms to pick, no herbal tea shops at the top of hills.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 21, 2013, 01:48:33 AM
Great. I will go try some when the time comes. I don't like SoCal hiking because it's so dry and there's no fruits along the path, no mushrooms to pick, no herbal tea shops at the top of hills.

Fyliu,

You have to go hiking more in SoCal  :'(. There are some beautiful trees with edible plants and herbs. I got a great unique smelling wild mint from Malibu area trails. Some of my favorite areas are around King's Canyon though, tons of fruit and edible species if you know what to look for. Thimble berries are so tasty  ;D.

*Getting off topic*

Anyway back to the pads.... I am going to work on getting some together in about 2-3 weeks. Will give an update later.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Xeno on March 21, 2013, 01:59:31 AM
Ain't no rush to do mine Null. My cactus pad that I took from my girlfriends dad house is starting to sprout. I'm sure it would have sprouted much quicker but my pad is in 80% shade. I'd take photos but my camera is dead.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Californiatropicals on March 21, 2013, 02:04:42 AM
I find this interesting,  when I was little Tuna's (as called by hispanics) were eaten often! Memories of being a kid at flea markets and having fresh tuna's YUM! Good stuff. Used to love to pick them too but hated the stickers.. AGONY!  I've heard there is a "thornless" variety of tuna. ( most likely less thorns?)  That one might be easier to grow!   Last year I saw beautiful colorful tunas at home depot but didn't care for their 25 dollar price tag or their long thorns!

https://www.google.com/search?q=colorful+tunas&hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS456US456&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=i6JKUYGjC4LjiALT-4C4BA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=910&bih=416#hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS456US456&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=purple+opuntia&oq=purple+opu&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24.7714.12516.2.14433.27.17.1.2.2.6.126.1273.13j3.16.0...0.0...1c.1.7.img.A80ETmdVQM4&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.44158598,d.cGE&fp=be95c7dfe387d9c4&biw=910&bih=416 (https://www.google.com/search?q=colorful+tunas&hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS456US456&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=i6JKUYGjC4LjiALT-4C4BA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=910&bih=416#hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS456US456&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=purple+opuntia&oq=purple+opu&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24.7714.12516.2.14433.27.17.1.2.2.6.126.1273.13j3.16.0...0.0...1c.1.7.img.A80ETmdVQM4&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.44158598,d.cGE&fp=be95c7dfe387d9c4&biw=910&bih=416)

Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Joshua_TX on March 22, 2013, 03:18:45 PM
Hi Null,

I'm interested in a pad of Torrance PCH#1 and Jeronimo M.V.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 30, 2013, 05:38:58 PM
I got 8 pads today for Torrance PCH #1. Next week I will get about the same amount from Jeronimo M.V. So in another week I should be able to send 8 pads of each one out. Going over list of first 8 posts. The next batch may take a while, since I am in the process of moving.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rrBjL7YwP_s/UVdZQwE7WfI/AAAAAAAAE5A/tElMkL6kTjM/s640/P1060459.JPG)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on April 05, 2013, 01:15:08 PM
Pads will be ready for the first 7 people next week. Paypal can be used for payment, upon payment pads will be shipped out. I am going to research the shipping costs, the pads are on the larger side so shipping can be up to $20, hopefully much lower though. Pads are $4 each. Pick up can also be arranged. So far this is what I have please confirm;

The pad list;

Rtreid: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1
edself65: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1, (1) P.V. Spineless #1
Davidgarcia899: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1, (1) P.V. Spineless #1
cbss_daviefl: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1
Natsgarden123: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1, (1) P.V. Spineless #1 (confirm if you want P.V. Spineless, you stated a few pads)
fyliu: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1
Jsvand5: (1) Jeronimo M.V., (1) Torrance PCH#1, (1) P.V. Spineless #1
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: johnb51 on April 05, 2013, 11:45:47 PM
I'm amazed at the work you're doing with Opuntia--an under-appreciated fruit, for sure!  But what's going to happen when you move to Florida?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on April 06, 2013, 12:11:19 AM
Looks good. Let me know how much it is when you find out. I'll PM you my address.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Jsvand5 on April 07, 2013, 05:52:37 PM
Looks good. I would imagine USPS flat rate boxes would be the cheapest way to go.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on April 07, 2013, 09:01:45 PM
Looks good. I would imagine USPS flat rate boxes would be the cheapest way to go.

I was planning to use USPS flat rate. But I am not sure if the preset boxes would fit some of these pads.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on April 09, 2013, 02:54:17 PM
First batch of pads is going out after lunch. Sending messages to everyone who will get one shipped today with cost to cover shipping + pads.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: natsgarden123 on April 09, 2013, 07:36:28 PM
Im planning to grow these in pots; any instructions?

thanks   :)

Nat
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on April 10, 2013, 11:44:23 AM
Im planning to grow these in pots; any instructions?

thanks   :)

Nat

Start them out in a 3-5 gal container. Use a nice draining mix. The cactus mix sold at big box stores and nurseries should be fine. Otherwise, I like using the following mix. 3 parts pine bark / 1 part coco coir / 1 part perlite. A modified Al's gritty mix should bring excellent results, link to more info on gritty mix: http://www.etenix.com/gardening/grittymix (http://www.etenix.com/gardening/grittymix)

Water pads lightly about 1-2 times a week. Make sure the mix is never soggy only damp. Rooting should take place over the period of 2-5 weeks. Once rooted pads can take more water as long as temperatures are warm.

During long periods with lack of precipitation, I will water once a month in cooler parts of the year and bi weekly during hotter parts of the year. However, you can get away with no water the whole year if pads are rooted into the ground. In Florida summer watering should only be done with light applications of fertilizer.

What I use and recommend is sea kelp powder/humic acid mix and fish emulsion used bi weekly during active pad growth. Use diluted amounts about a tsp. of each per gallon. When pads get bigger I up the amount to 1 tbsp. of each and add 1 tbsp. of rock phosphate.

If you are harvesting for fresh eating pads, its recommended to cut them when they are still tender in the late spring to early summer. Pads should be slightly larger then a 7" tablet and have the thickness of less then a 1/2", they should show a new bright green growth coloration and texture.

Flower and fruiting starts in May and will continue into late Fall depending on climatic conditions and selection. After flowering stage I like to withhold water and nutrients so the fruit will use more of the pads water and nutrients (should in theory increase flavor and brix). In a container it may be beneficial to put a plastic covering over the container to block some of the water, I know Florida can get quite a lot of rain during the summer.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: natsgarden123 on May 16, 2013, 07:23:25 PM
Here they are - looking great.  I'm planning on putting them in the ground, eventually. How long can they stay in the 3 gallon pots?

Thanks :)

(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k495/nsobgyn/temporary_zps16b8da63.jpg)

(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k495/nsobgyn/temporary_zps536f695c.jpg)

Nat
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on May 17, 2013, 12:30:57 PM
Here they are - looking great.  I'm planning on putting them in the ground, eventually. How long can they stay in the 3 gallon pots?

Thanks :)

Nat

Nat,

Looking great! I count 9 developing fruits on Jeronimo MV? Are you fertilizing the pads? I would recommend using some kelp powder and some natural phosphorus fertilizer right about now, use half strength weekly. The rooted pads should be fully receptive to some fertilizer applications. You can stop fertilizing when the fruits start to swell and change color.

Between the rain water and fertilizer schedule, I think you can get a nice harvest of +1LB (I don't know currently know any other fruiting plants which will put out fruit yields of Opuntia sp. in a 3 gal container). You can keep it in a 3 gal container for quite a while, especially if you root prune at least 1 time a year. I would say 2 years for a 3 gal should be fine. You could potentially keep it for a very long time in a 10 gal container, as long as you pad trim.

I am very impressed with Jeronimo MV, but it does not surprise me. Because I made the selections in a 50% shaded area through out the day. So when it gets that full tropic sun, ample water, and fertilizer... it really starts to shine!

BTW, take some good photo journals. In the future you may want to slightly thin the fruit if it gets so large that it rubs up against the fruit next to it. This will ensure that fruit damage from wind and rot (water build up stuck between the squished fruits). I am not sure yet if this will be an issue, because the spacing on the mother plants fruit was good. However the mother plant was in a shaded location that had less production. This may not be an issue, so I would let it grow out and see how it turns out.

*Wanted to say for all those who have not gotten pads yet, I have not forgot. I have been very busy and unable to get the pads atm due to moving (all the plants etc. everything :(). By the fall of this year, things should be looking better and I will be able to send out some pads.*
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: natsgarden123 on September 05, 2013, 11:03:25 AM
The fruits are ripe- and they are full of seeds, not very sweet. Did I do something worng?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on September 05, 2013, 09:19:43 PM
The fruits are ripe- and they are full of seeds, not very sweet. Did I do something worng?

Nat which one was it (MV?) Flavor can be affected by water amount, but the seedy part is not what the fruit was from the mother plant (at least proportional to size, if you have smaller then average fruit the seed amount can stay relatively the same but have a higher density due to lack of flesh of a full size fruit).

The fruit may possibly have also have more seeds maybe from a stress response? (but who really knows, need another season or two to really evaluate) Very sorry to hear, perhaps give it another chance next year and the crop may improve with establishment of root system.

As always these are experiments in a higher humidity climate, so plant response may change. Did you end up blending the fruit and the seeds? (If the flavor was lacking at least you could enjoy the health benefits of the fruit and seeds).
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: natsgarden123 on September 06, 2013, 09:44:40 AM
The fruits are ripe- and they are full of seeds, not very sweet. Did I do something worng?

Nat which one was it (MV?) Flavor can be affected by water amount, but the seedy part is not what the fruit was from the mother plant (at least proportional to size, if you have smaller then average fruit the seed amount can stay relatively the same but have a higher density due to lack of flesh of a full size fruit).

The fruit may possibly have also have more seeds maybe from a stress response? (but who really knows, need another season or two to really evaluate) Very sorry to hear, perhaps give it another chance next year and the crop may improve with establishment of root system.

As always these are experiments in a higher humidity climate, so plant response may change. Did you end up blending the fruit and the seeds? (If the flavor was lacking at least you could enjoy the health benefits of the fruit and seeds).

Thanks for the info- I didnt label them so Im not sure which one it is- its a yellow fruit.

Ive had these in pots with a mix of bagged potting soil and a large amount of perlite- so its pretty dry. I grow plants for looks so even if the fruit never tastes good,  the plant itself is really cool.

The other one has one fruit on it, not yet ripe- Ill see how that one tastes
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on September 06, 2013, 11:20:37 AM
The fruits are ripe- and they are full of seeds, not very sweet. Did I do something worng?

Nat which one was it (MV?) Flavor can be affected by water amount, but the seedy part is not what the fruit was from the mother plant (at least proportional to size, if you have smaller then average fruit the seed amount can stay relatively the same but have a higher density due to lack of flesh of a full size fruit).

The fruit may possibly have also have more seeds maybe from a stress response? (but who really knows, need another season or two to really evaluate) Very sorry to hear, perhaps give it another chance next year and the crop may improve with establishment of root system.

As always these are experiments in a higher humidity climate, so plant response may change. Did you end up blending the fruit and the seeds? (If the flavor was lacking at least you could enjoy the health benefits of the fruit and seeds).

Thanks for the info- I didnt label them so Im not sure which one it is- its a yellow fruit.

Ive had these in pots with a mix of bagged potting soil and a large amount of perlite- so its pretty dry. I grow plants for looks so even if the fruit never tastes good,  the plant itself is really cool.

The other one has one fruit on it, not yet ripe- Ill see how that one tastes

The skin color should be orange or red depending if its Torrance PCH#1 (RED) or Jeronimo M.V. (Orange). If its PV spineless the fruit can be yellow/orange (I have not verified the quality of the fruit on this one, only that the animals seem to like it a lot).

The one with (1) fruit on it sounds like Torrance PCH#1, the fruit should ripen in the fall into winter. I can verify that the quality of the fruit is very good on that one at least a 7.5-8.0 on my rating. Btw, the cactus pads are very good prepared as well.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: EvilFruit on October 02, 2014, 07:20:49 AM
Hi,
I would like to know if this offer is still valid or not.  8)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Luisport on October 02, 2014, 09:13:42 AM
Hello my friend! Can i be added to your list? Thank you!  ;D
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 02, 2014, 11:41:23 AM
The offer is still valid on Torrance PCH#1, however I am waiting for more pads to developed. The PARL and others are to low on pads to offer anytime this year. Torrance PCH#1 may have extra pads when I check FL plant in 2 weeks.

My CA plants are tapped out atm, will have pads next year here. I may also have seeds soon available from Torrance PCH#1.

Here is some more info on Torrance PCH#1

http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.0)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: gunnar429 on October 02, 2014, 12:02:33 PM
Likewise
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Luisport on October 02, 2014, 12:42:38 PM
The offer is still valid on Torrance PCH#1, however I am waiting for more pads to developed. The PARL and others are to low on pads to offer anytime this year. Torrance PCH#1 may have extra pads when I check FL plant in 2 weeks.

My CA plants are tapped out atm, will have pads next year here. I may also have seeds soon available from Torrance PCH#1.

Here is some more info on Torrance PCH#1

http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.0 (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.0)
Hello my friend! can i have one of this Torrance PCH#1? Thank's!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: EvilFruit on October 02, 2014, 05:41:42 PM
Thank you for your replay.

I'm interested in these......
- Opuntia sp.: Cerritos #2
- Opuntia sp: Visalia Yellow
- Opuntia sp: Torrance PCH#1
- Opuntia sp. Jeronimo M.V.

So, you're expecting to have more pods (all of them??) at the beginning of 2015 , Correct ?.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 02, 2014, 06:46:37 PM
Thank you for your replay.

I'm interested in these......
- Opuntia sp.: Cerritos #2
- Opuntia sp: Visalia Yellow
- Opuntia sp: Torrance PCH#1
- Opuntia sp. Jeronimo M.V.

So, you're expecting to have more pods (all of them??) at the beginning of 2015 , Correct ?.

Visalia Yellow, is still pretty small last time I checked the FL house. It may have only 2 extra pads, I really neglected it and left it in a 3 gal fabric container on top of paver brick. No added water or attention really for the last year, and yet it still thrives and pushes new pads :). I plan to up step it to a larger fabric container, so should have at least 1-2 pads by summer 2015.

Jeronimo M.V., I have pads of these now. So this is not a problem. Torrance PCH#1, this will have to wait till spring 2015 or possibly summer 2015. Cerritos #2, I have to check on status of it.

Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: shaneatwell on October 02, 2014, 11:08:55 PM
Null, could you add me for pch #1?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 03, 2014, 12:41:00 AM
Due to high demand, going to have to limit to 1 pad of each Opuntia sp. selection. Cost will be $5 for a pad + shipping costs. I can't give any confirmation atm of how many of each pads are available. I can't expect any pads until spring into summer of next year. I practically been slowing down my plants due to taking as many pads almost exclusively sharing with friends etc.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: EvilFruit on October 03, 2014, 06:35:29 AM
Do you also have dragon fruit cuttings ?.

I'm interested in these cultivars.

"Condor
Bien Hoa Red
Pink Panther
Yellow Dragon
Zamorano
Gold Dragon
Halley’s Comet"
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 03, 2014, 11:15:24 AM
Do you also have dragon fruit cuttings ?.

I'm interested in these cultivars.

"Condor
Bien Hoa Red
Pink Panther
Yellow Dragon
Zamorano
Gold Dragon
Halley’s Comet"

Halley's Comet and Zamorano I may have.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Luisport on October 03, 2014, 11:30:01 AM
Null you receive a PM!  ;D
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 03, 2014, 01:10:33 PM
All those that have PMed me or posted under this thread I have added you under the list. I will give updates later this month on more concrete availability. Not taking anymore orders for now (until the current orders are met).
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: MassSpectrum on October 05, 2014, 09:03:45 AM
After a brutal scorchingly dry summer at this spot, and then several instenseweeks of... I'm finally about done with my total live plant op system reboot+expand.

Ready to get trading and everything again...
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 05, 2014, 04:49:10 PM
Mass,

I will add you onto the list, I recall you wanting Torrance PCH#1.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: NathanC on October 19, 2014, 12:07:33 AM
I've decided to change my PM from before:
PARL 244
Visalia Yellow
Jeronimo M.V. OR 'Cerritos #2'

I decided to change because everyone was in line for Torrance PCH# :D

Questions
How long did PARL 244 take to fruit?
What are 'Peruvian Yellow' and 'Mexican Sweet' like?  :P
How is 'Cerritos #2' doing?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: NathanC on October 19, 2014, 12:08:53 AM
Well, PARL 244 OR Torrance PCH#1  ;D
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 21, 2014, 12:55:13 PM
I checked out the FL pad, no new pads developed  :'(. I think its slow to grow because of the non mulched/cleared area around the in ground pads. I have since taken it out of the ground and now have it container. As for the pads over here of Torrance PCH#1.

I will be testing out cutting up the pad with 1 grow point on each, then dipping the cuttings in sulfur and rooting hormone a few days later. End result will be more plants with from 1 pad. However the plants will be smaller and should be pushed alone with some mild applications of fertilizer to speed things up. I think this is the only way I can meet all the orders before fall of next year. I don't have a massive in ground plant atm to take ample pads from :(.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Bruh on September 16, 2015, 02:32:23 AM
Not sure if the offers in this thread are still good to go, but I'd love to get a pad of Torrance PCH#1 and PARL 244
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: simon_grow on September 16, 2015, 09:57:43 AM
Null, would you say that Torrance PCH is one of the best tasting varieties in your collection?

Simon
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fsanchez2002 on September 16, 2015, 10:31:36 AM
Please add me to the list, I would love to get more opuntias. Thanks. F.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: gunnar429 on September 16, 2015, 10:33:09 AM
Please add me to the list.  I presently only have st. ynez and would love to add move opuntias to the collection
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on September 16, 2015, 11:31:56 AM
Here are some more collections I just recently sampled and got some pads of;

Redondo Beach orange#1 , this was growing in a vacant lot. It had a sweet honey taste, low seed count, and small seeds. I think its pretty good especially for processing, I mixed it with plain yogurt (was really good like that).
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gckWIwygc0/VfmIJf5O7lI/AAAAAAAAIs8/6RZWBY931kc/s400-Ic42/20150913_162427.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jyiX_EkEEw/VfmIMEr7hMI/AAAAAAAAItI/VauiqHtyc2o/s400-Ic42/20150913_162432.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-085-YTUnc64/VfmInrIF65I/AAAAAAAAIuA/gt29hio84UA/s400-Ic42/20150913_180738.jpg)

PV Spineless #3 (name for now). This was the best tasting of the bunch and was large beautiful looking fruit. It was the sweetest and had a nice firm texture with a strong watermelon like flavor. Seed count was average with average size of seeds. Me and my friend both agreed this was the best overall of the bunch.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--fez0BIDfaE/VfmIEVTG79I/AAAAAAAAItM/c3rkorbck-M/s400-Ic42/20150913_171137.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxlOfDJVsRQ/VfmIwYjMuHI/AAAAAAAAIuY/cJiYVW8Miao/s400-Ic42/20150913_181850.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FBvK_3BW7Y/VfmI0LQQoGI/AAAAAAAAIuk/YBnyMMz1BWk/s400-Ic42/20150913_181227.jpg)

I had one more selection sample, but I think it was average so I am not going to include for now.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on September 16, 2015, 06:01:27 PM
Null, would you say that Torrance PCH is one of the best tasting varieties in your collection?

Simon

I would say Torrance PCH is in the top 5. It has a great watermelon flavor, I would really need to do blind tastings with a few people to gauge how it would compare. The overall size, taste, texture, and seed size/count make it a top tier fruit. If you only wanted 1 Opuntia ficus-indica I would say it would be a solid choice. PARL 244 is really good though as well. Its tough though, I would need to do a tasting sometime in the future.

Prickly pears range in taste from Honey/Banana flavor to Raspberry sour flavor, with a lot representing a similar taste to melon and watermelon like flavors.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: TheWaterbug on September 27, 2015, 09:56:28 PM
Null, would you say that Torrance PCH is one of the best tasting varieties in your collection?

Simon

I would say Torrance PCH is in the top 5. It has a great watermelon flavor, I would really need to do blind tastings with a few people to gauge how it would compare. The overall size, taste, texture, and seed size/count make it a top tier fruit. If you only wanted 1 Opuntia ficus-indica I would say it would be a solid choice. PARL 244 is really good though as well. Its tough though, I would need to do a tasting sometime in the future.

Prickly pears range in taste from Honey/Banana flavor to Raspberry sour flavor, with a lot representing a similar taste to melon and watermelon like flavors.

Did you obtain Torrance PCH from publicly available sources (e.g. a vacant lot)? Or did you cultivate it yourself? I work in Torrance, not far from PCH :D so I'd be interested in a drive-by if you could share the location. I'm interested in getting some red-fleshed Opuntias if they taste good.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: gunnar429 on September 28, 2015, 10:32:19 PM
Null, would you say that Torrance PCH is one of the best tasting varieties in your collection?

Simon

I would say Torrance PCH is in the top 5. It has a great watermelon flavor, I would really need to do blind tastings with a few people to gauge how it would compare. The overall size, taste, texture, and seed size/count make it a top tier fruit. If you only wanted 1 Opuntia ficus-indica I would say it would be a solid choice. PARL 244 is really good though as well. Its tough though, I would need to do a tasting sometime in the future.

Prickly pears range in taste from Honey/Banana flavor to Raspberry sour flavor, with a lot representing a similar taste to melon and watermelon like flavors.
interested in both of these whenever you have them available. 
Thanks
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: texas_girl on October 04, 2015, 09:12:12 AM
Hello,
I would like to be added to the list also for one Pad from all the Opuntia you have and also for the two different kinds you have new when you have them available.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on October 04, 2015, 08:02:10 PM
Quote
Did you obtain Torrance PCH from publicly available sources (e.g. a vacant lot)? Or did you cultivate it yourself? I work in Torrance, not far from PCH :D so I'd be interested in a drive-by if you could share the location. I'm interested in getting some red-fleshed Opuntias if they taste good.

Its on a steep side of a hill off PCH on the east side of the road right before Calle mayor.

Those who want pads I will update you soon.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: starch on October 04, 2015, 09:20:19 PM
Those who want pads I will update you soon.

sorry forgot to post before. Please put me on the list :)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: simon_grow on January 07, 2016, 03:50:51 AM
I would love to get Brix readings from all these Opuntia selections. Nullzero, do you know which selection of Opuntia currently has the highest Brix levels? I remember you mentioned that PARL selections were selected to have Brix greater than 12%. I went back to this thread http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.50. (http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=3935.50.) and one selection I found had a Brix of 15% and another had Brix of 17% so I wonder if there are other varieties that are even higher? I tasted several green skinned fruit from the Mira Mesa farmers market that were very sweet but I did not have a refractometer back then. I will go back in Spring to see if the Green skinned Tunas are still available.

Nullzero, I believe that Fruit you collect from the mother trees on your expeditions may taste better tgan the same fruit when cultivated in our yards because the mother plants are older, fully established and I'm guessing they are rarely if ever watered. Many of us as gardeners tend to overwater our plants, especially when they are holding fruit, in order to pump them up to a large size but this can dilute the flavor and sugars. I withhold water to my Dragonfruit plants for 1-2 weeks, depending on weather, before I harvest and I notice an increase in Brix of roughly 2%.

I'm issueing an Amber Alert for the Opuntia fruit with the highest Brix! If I am able to find that super sweet green skinned fruit at the farmers market, I will as the seller if they are willing to sell me a pad or ten. I believe there will be much interest for the sweetest Opuntia fruit! BTW, the super sweet green skinned fruit had very hard seeds, similar to guava but it was so sweet that it's totally worth it. I'll keep everyone updated and thanks to Nullzero for getting me interested in this under appreciated drought tolerant medicinal fruit!

Simon
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on January 07, 2016, 03:36:30 PM
This year I may start trying to graft the Torrance PCH#1, because of the high demand. I have like 8 people in this thread that want a pad. Then another 5 or so in PMs and more in the email. So I think the best way may be to graft the plants for the upcoming year. I will update how the process goes. I will only have limited pads available earlier this year starting in June.

I am going to work through the list and see who has PMed me earlier about it and also posted earlier in this thread. Those who are in line first will get the 3-5 pads that I will have available. The rest will have to wait until the clone plant gains mass or the grafting test works out.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: DimplesLee on January 08, 2016, 05:45:18 PM
Please put me on the waiting list for
Torrance,
Visalia and
Jeronimo.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: barath on January 08, 2016, 09:09:04 PM
I'm curious -- are there any selections that don't have glochids on the fruits?  (Maybe that's wishful thinking...)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: FLTropical on January 09, 2016, 08:48:42 AM
Null,

Can you please add me to th list for a Torrence?

Thanks,
Keith
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on January 09, 2016, 11:12:29 AM
Simon, would you be interested in non-opuntia cactus fruit? A friend from Oceanside gave me a few pads of his good juicing cactus fruit with clear juice but long spines. The plant was actually pretty good looking. I dont have a brix meter and haven't had fruits from it yet.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on January 09, 2016, 01:12:45 PM
Simon, would you be interested in non-opuntia cactus fruit? A friend from Oceanside gave me a few pads of his good juicing cactus fruit with clear juice but long spines. The plant was actually pretty good looking. I dont have a brix meter and haven't had fruits from it yet.

Sounds interesting I wonder what genus and species it is. It's not a columnar cactus? Maybe a Cylindropuntia sp?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: sanitarium on March 03, 2016, 09:38:49 AM
Could you please put me in the list, too? thank you
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: fyliu on March 03, 2016, 02:45:43 PM
Simon, would you be interested in non-opuntia cactus fruit? A friend from Oceanside gave me a few pads of his good juicing cactus fruit with clear juice but long spines. The plant was actually pretty good looking. I dont have a brix meter and haven't had fruits from it yet.

Sounds interesting I wonder what genus and species it is. It's not a columnar cactus? Maybe a Cylindropuntia sp?

It's a pad cactus but rounder and with scary long thorns. Not sure about glochids. I still don't have fruits yet and haven't planted it in a pot. I should just pot them up so they might start growing.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on March 03, 2016, 05:14:58 PM
Simon, would you be interested in non-opuntia cactus fruit? A friend from Oceanside gave me a few pads of his good juicing cactus fruit with clear juice but long spines. The plant was actually pretty good looking. I dont have a brix meter and haven't had fruits from it yet.

Sounds interesting I wonder what genus and species it is. It's not a columnar cactus? Maybe a Cylindropuntia sp?

It's a pad cactus but rounder and with scary long thorns. Not sure about glochids. I still don't have fruits yet and haven't planted it in a pot. I should just pot them up so they might start growing.

I would be interested in a pad sometime in the future if you can spare. Would love to see pictures, sounds really interesting Fang.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Paulish on December 06, 2016, 02:10:21 AM
Interested in being added to the list. Particularly spineless varieties but anything with great flavor and high brix. A couple of each or however many you can spare to start. Thanks
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: raimeiken on September 22, 2018, 07:39:42 PM
any updates on this? Would love to be put on the list for some pads from your collection.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: markinnaples on September 22, 2018, 09:30:05 PM
I would also like to be put on the list for any of these interesting varieties.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: D-Grower on November 04, 2020, 08:26:54 AM
Interested in various pads whenever available. Message me if  or when your ready.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: sunsetcat on July 01, 2021, 03:30:44 PM
Interested, pm me when available! Particularly interested in the varieties with small seeds/seeds ones that can be broken down by chewing
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: roblack on July 01, 2021, 11:49:28 PM
tuna pads please =)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: AZ-Tropics on July 22, 2022, 08:05:48 PM
Hello all..  I'm a fruit grower here in the Phoenix, AZ area..

I got a pad of prickly pear "PCH#1" from a local buddy, and it's finally fruited this year.  I have attached a picture of the fruit.

I suspect it's a bit early. There aren't too many seeds, and they're hard. Based on the descriptions I've read, this almost seems like it might be "Visalia Yellow". It has a melon kind of flavor, and it's yellow.

Opinions for those that grow PCH#1 and/or Visalia Yellow, which does this fruit look like?   :D


(https://i.postimg.cc/G9JTH1Gq/Prickly-pear-cactus-PCH1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9JTH1Gq)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: elouicious on July 23, 2022, 01:38:12 AM
According to the original post-

Opuntia sp: Torrance PCH#1
Large red fruit with red interior. Excellent sweet flavor with subtle watermelon taste. Soft small seeds that can be broken down by teeth. Low spreading growth habit. Fruit resistant to rotting due to moisture/humidity. Fruit holds on plant for months through the winter, while maintaining great eating qualities. Production moderate to low.

It would seem yours are not red fruited, and thus probably not this variety-

I have a few pads from Jonah and will report back on the eventual fruit
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: hammer524 on July 23, 2022, 01:46:47 AM
I've gotta confess that I have never had a prickly pear fruit before. There are a couple unknown fruiting varieties in my family's backyard but I have always let them go to waste. Are cultivated varieties on par with the taste of dragon fruit? How do they compare? Seems like a no brainer that I should probably search out named cultivars since I live in PHX
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: D-Grower on July 23, 2022, 08:10:24 AM
Add me to the list of waiters. Thanks
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: D-Grower on July 23, 2022, 08:16:51 AM
I've gotta confess that I have never had a prickly pear fruit before. There are a couple unknown fruiting varieties in my family's backyard but I have always let them go to waste. Are cultivated varieties on par with the taste of dragon fruit? How do they compare? Seems like a no brainer that I should probably search out named cultivars since I live in PHX

Opuntia fruits are awesome! Most are pretty damn good. Yellow dragon fruit is the closest I've had to the taste of them. Dragon fruit like the red ones from the store doesn't even come close to their goodness. Many of the opuntia fruit have notes of melon like honeydew or cantaloupe. Great all around but usually seedy but I don't care about that myself.
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: elouicious on July 23, 2022, 10:41:58 AM
never had the selected varieties but even the wild fruits are pretty tasty-

also a 0 maintenance plant-

they are seedy but I just suck all the pulp out and then spit the seeds- other people are fans of making juice
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Bush2Beach on July 23, 2022, 02:38:11 PM
I didn’t send you these yet?
Add me to the list of waiters. Thanks
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: D-Grower on July 23, 2022, 04:38:41 PM
I didn’t send you these yet?
Add me to the list of waiters. Thanks

Yes I have the pch, papaya, and honeydew from you. It appeared he has a bunch of other cultivars. I really enjoy the fruit of opuntias. Would like to collect as many cultivars as I can.

There is a fruit fruit on one of the pch plants right now. Excited to try it. Is it green when ripe?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Stomata on July 23, 2022, 05:21:15 PM
id definitely be into acquiring the collection!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: driftwood on July 23, 2022, 07:58:46 PM
I've gotta confess that I have never had a prickly pear fruit before. There are a couple unknown fruiting varieties in my family's backyard but I have always let them go to waste. Are cultivated varieties on par with the taste of dragon fruit? How do they compare? Seems like a no brainer that I should probably search out named cultivars since I live in PHX

wild fruits can vary

Some are much more tasty than dragonfruit. less flesh but more flavor.

The orange fruits taste like papaya/watermelon. some of my favorite so far

Hello all..  I'm a fruit grower here in the Phoenix, AZ area..

I got a pad of prickly pear "PCH#1" from a local buddy, and it's finally fruited this year.  I have attached a picture of the fruit.

I suspect it's a bit early. There aren't too many seeds, and they're hard. Based on the descriptions I've read, this almost seems like it might be "Visalia Yellow". It has a melon kind of flavor, and it's yellow.

Opinions for those that grow PCH#1 and/or Visalia Yellow, which does this fruit look like?   :D


(https://i.postimg.cc/G9JTH1Gq/Prickly-pear-cactus-PCH1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9JTH1Gq)


That is the yellow
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Bush2Beach on July 23, 2022, 11:55:00 PM
 Right on. My mistake, I thought it was just for PCH.
Yeah definitely, there’s alot of good ones.
The fruit is red.
I didn’t send you these yet?
Add me to the list of waiters. Thanks

Yes I have the pch, papaya, and honeydew from you. It appeared he has a bunch of other cultivars. I really enjoy the fruit of opuntias. Would like to collect as many cultivars as I can.

There is a fruit fruit on one of the pch plants right now. Excited to try it. Is it green when ripe?
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: AZ-Tropics on July 24, 2022, 01:07:29 AM
This is a picture of the plant the yellow fruits came from.


(https://i.postimg.cc/hQQ3SQRM/36-F7-B3-C6-73-EA-4-B25-87-AC-B27-D6-D1464-E0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQQ3SQRM)
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on July 24, 2022, 03:23:19 PM
This is a picture of the plant the yellow fruits came from.


(https://i.postimg.cc/hQQ3SQRM/36-F7-B3-C6-73-EA-4-B25-87-AC-B27-D6-D1464-E0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQQ3SQRM)

Yes that is Visalia Yellow, great looking plant. You can trim off the side pads to get more of a columnar habit, the original collected plant was going up about 7ft in a columnar shape (it seemed like it was being maintained by the yard workers).
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: elouicious on July 24, 2022, 09:17:48 PM
Are you still distributing these nullzero?

I think I managed to get 5 from Bush2Beach and a few more from around here
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on July 25, 2022, 02:19:01 AM
Are you still distributing these nullzero?

I think I managed to get 5 from Bush2Beach and a few more from around here

Not really atm, I have to rebuild my collection of these. I lost a lot of Opuntia after few moves and a flood in FL that rotted some of my remaining plants. Luckily I spread out the genetics, so I was able to regain them :).
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Thrive Seed on August 02, 2022, 12:23:23 PM
Anyone have any pads of Parl244, yellow vista ?
I’ll take some pics of the Varieties that I see growing road side here in Monterey County CA.  I’ve never tried before but will now !! Thanks
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: Matti.Laith on December 30, 2023, 10:22:57 AM
Are you still distributing these nullzero?

I think I managed to get 5 from Bush2Beach and a few more from around here

Not really atm, I have to rebuild my collection of these. I lost a lot of Opuntia after few moves and a flood in FL that rotted some of my remaining plants. Luckily I spread out the genetics, so I was able to regain them :).

Were you ever able to rebuild your collection? That's crazy!
Title: Re: Top tier selections of Opuntia sp. Waiting list. Please post under here for add.
Post by: nullzero on December 30, 2023, 12:46:36 PM
I don't have most of the PARLs which I got from the Grins system back in 2012. I have PCH#1, PARL 256, and PARL 342.

I made another collection for Nopales, Carson Spineless. Then I have some various others from nurseries. The plants are starting to put on some mass.