SKU: 5988100214
opuntia prickly pear cactus

opuntia prickly pear cactus Buy Indian Fig Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia

Sale price$25.88 Regular price$28.75
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.19 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 8 - Aug 13

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

opuntia prickly pear cactus Buy Indian Fig Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | OpuntiaPhoenix's Best Edible Cactus Grow Delicious Prickly Pear Fruit in Your Own Yard Indian Fig Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) is the world's most cultivated edible cactus and it thrives in the Phoenix Valley like nowhere else. This impressive species produces large, smooth pads (nopales) prized in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, plus abundant sweet purple or red fruit (tunas) that can be eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams and syrups. Beyond its

Phoenix's Best Edible Cactus — Grow Delicious Prickly Pear Fruit in Your Own Yard

Indian Fig Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is the world's most cultivated edible cactus — and it thrives in the Phoenix Valley like nowhere else. This impressive species produces large, smooth pads (nopales) prized in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, plus abundant sweet purple or red fruit (tunas) that can be eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams and syrups. Beyond its culinary value, Indian Fig is a striking landscape plant that grows into a dramatic tree-like form reaching 10–15 feet tall. Extremely drought-tolerant and heat-loving, it handles the worst Phoenix summers without flinching. Whether you're building an edible landscape in Scottsdale, creating a dramatic desert focal point in Gilbert, or growing your own prickly pear fruit in Mesa — Indian Fig Prickly Pear is the ultimate dual-purpose desert plant.

Indian Fig Prickly Pear Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Opuntia ficus-indica
Common Names Indian Fig Prickly Pear, Mission Cactus, Nopal, Tuna Cactus
Mature Height 10–15 feet
Mature Width 8–12 feet
Growth Rate Fast — 3–5 new pads per season in Phoenix
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water Very low once established. Highly drought-tolerant.
USDA Zones 8–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining. Adapts to Arizona caliche and rocky soils.
Foliage Evergreen — large bright green pads year-round
Fruit Abundant purple-red tunas in late summer; sweet and edible

Indian Fig Prickly Pear Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Edible Landscape & Food Gardens

Indian Fig is the premier edible cactus for Phoenix home gardens. Both the pads and fruit are harvested and eaten worldwide. Plant one near the kitchen garden for easy access to fresh nopales (pads) and tunas (fruit). A single mature plant produces dozens of fruits per season — enough for the whole family plus neighbors.

Dramatic Architectural Focal Point

At 10–15 feet tall, a mature Indian Fig Prickly Pear creates an unforgettable statement in any landscape. Its tree-like trunk and massive paddle-shaped pads provide bold architectural form that anchors a desert garden. Use it as a standalone specimen in a decomposed granite bed surrounded by boulders and lower accent plants like Agave and Desert Marigold.

Privacy Screen & Living Fence

Plant Indian Fig 6–8 feet apart along a property line for a living desert fence that grows dense and tall. The thick pads create an effective visual and physical barrier. For a 30-foot fence line, plant 4–5 plants. Combine with other large desert plants for a layered, natural-looking screen.

Xeriscaping & Water-Wise Landscapes

Indian Fig is a top pick for Tempe, Chandler, and Peoria homeowners wanting dramatic scale without high water bills. Once established, it needs almost no supplemental irrigation. Its bold form pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants for a landscape that looks lush year-round on minimal water.

Best Time to Plant Indian Fig Prickly Pear in Phoenix

Fall (October–November) is ideal — warm soil promotes fast root growth while cooler air reduces transplant stress. Indian Fig gets 6–8 months of establishment before its first Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid summer planting for best results.

How to Plant Indian Fig Prickly Pear

  1. Dig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth as the container.
  2. Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer to ensure drainage.
  3. Backfill with native soil — a light 20% compost blend is fine for Indian Fig.
  4. Spacing — 6–8 feet apart for a hedge; 10+ feet for individual specimens.
  5. Water basin — build a 4–5 inch ring around the plant to direct water to roots.
  6. Mulch — 2–3 inches of gravel or decomposed granite around the base.

Watering Indian Fig Prickly Pear in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

  • Weeks 1–2: Every 2–3 days, deep and slow
  • Month 1–3: Every 5–7 days
  • Month 3–6: Every 7–10 days (every 5 days in peak summer)
  • After Year 1: Every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter

Drip Irrigation

Place two 2-GPH emitters 24–36 inches from the trunk on opposite sides. Established Indian Fig is very drought-tolerant but will produce more fruit with occasional deep watering during the summer fruiting season.

Can you eat Indian Fig Prickly Pear fruit?
Absolutely. The purple-red tunas are sweet and delicious eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams, syrups, and candy. The young pads (nopales) can be grilled, sauteed, or added to salads and are a staple in Mexican cuisine.

How fast does Indian Fig grow in Phoenix?
Very fast. Expect 3–5 new pads per growing season. A 5-gallon plant can reach 6–8 feet tall in just 3–4 years in Phoenix conditions with good care.

How big does Indian Fig Prickly Pear get?
Indian Fig is one of the largest prickly pear species. In Phoenix, it commonly reaches 10–15 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide, developing a tree-like trunk over time.

Does Indian Fig handle Phoenix summer heat?
Yes. Indian Fig is native to hot, arid climates and thrives in full sun, reflected heat, and 115°F+ temperatures. No shade protection needed.

Is Indian Fig Prickly Pear the same as Nopal?
Yes. "Nopal" is the Spanish name for the edible prickly pear cactus, and Opuntia ficus-indica is the most commonly cultivated species for food production worldwide.

You May Also Like

  • Spineless Prickly Pear — Another nearly thornless variety; great for pool areas and high-traffic spots.
  • Giant Prickly Pear — Massive native prickly pear for bold landscape statements.
  • Engelmann's Prickly Pear — Classic Arizona native with yellow blooms and wildlife value.
  • Purple Prickly Pear — Vibrant purple pads for dramatic color contrast in desert gardens.
  • Beavertail Prickly Pear — Low-growing native with stunning magenta spring blooms.

How Many Indian Fig Prickly Pear Do I Need?

This is a fast, tree-form prickly pear that reaches 8 to 12 feet wide, so for a living fence or screen space plants about 7 feet on center. As a single edible specimen, give it 10 feet of clearance and keep the spiny pads at least 6 feet back from walkways, pools, and play areas.

Run length Plants needed (7 ft centers)
14 ft 3 plants
21 ft 4 plants
30 ft fence line 5 plants
42 ft 7 plants

Indian Fig Prickly Pear Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb to Apr): New pad growth flushes and yellow to orange flowers open along the pad edges, drawing bees. Strong second window to plant before the heat.
  • Summer (May to Sep): Loves full sun and reflected heat with no shade needed, even past 115°F. Tunas color up and ripen through late summer; the monsoon and an occasional deep soak boost fruit size and yield.
  • Fall (Oct to Nov): Prime planting season and main harvest window for sweet purple-red tunas. Warm soil and cool air give 6 to 8 months of root establishment before next summer.
  • Winter (Dec to Jan): Evergreen pads hold through winter. One of the more cold-hardy prickly pears, taking brief dips to around 15°F, though tender young pads can show edge damage on a hard freeze.

At a Glance

✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Edible   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Fire-Wise   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 15°F

Plant It With

Is Indian Fig Prickly Pear Right for Your Yard?

It thrives in full sun and reflected heat, fast-draining native or caliche soil, and an open spot with room to reach 10 to 15 feet tall, making it ideal for edible landscapes, bold focal points, and living fences. It is hardy to about 15°F and needs almost no water once established. Not a fit if you want a low-litter, spine-free planting near a pool, patio, or busy path, since the pads carry sharp spines and fine glochids and the plant gets large.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 5988100214

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell opuntia prickly pear cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
C
Verified Purchase
Christopher McMakin
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
A major upgrade from standard drugstore brands—sophisticated scent & better lather.
I have been a long-time user of standard body washes (think Old Spice, Axe, or Dove Men), but I kept seeing hype about Cremo and decided to see if it was worth the slightly higher price tag. After using the 32oz Spice & Black Vanilla for a week, I can confidently say this is a massive upgrade for your shower routine. ​Here is how it stacks up against the typical grocery store brands: ​1. The Scent is on another level: Most cheaper washes smell like generic "Sport" or "Ocean" cologne. This scent is much more complex and earthy. ​Top Notes: It starts with a sharp, spicy kick (that's the cardamom). ​Finish: It settles into a smooth, warm vanilla and tobacco scent. It smells more like a high-end department store fragrance than a soap. ​Staying Power: The scent actually lingers. If you shower in the morning, you will still catch subtle hints of the warm spices for a few hours, which pairs really well with woody colognes. ​2. Performance & Feel: The consistency is thicker than what I'm used to. You only need one solid pump to get a rich lather with a loofah. Crucially, it rinses clean without leaving that "squeaky" residue that dries out your skin, but it also doesn't leave a slick oily film like some ultra-moisturizing washes do. It hits a perfect balance. ​3. Value: The 32oz bottle is substantial. Because the gel is concentrated, I expect this bottle to last 3-4 months easily, making the cost per ounce very reasonable compared to buying smaller bottles of cheaper stuff every few weeks. ​Pros: ​Sophisticated, "grown-up" scent profile. ​High-quality pump (sturdy, doesn't clog). ​Non-drying formula is great for colder months. ​Cons: ​Potency: The scent is strong. If you are sensitive to fragrance or prefer unscented products, this might be overwhelming. The bathroom will smell like it for a good 20 minutes after you're done (which I enjoy, but keep it in mind). ​Verdict: This bridges the gap between basic hygiene and luxury grooming. If you are tired of smelling like "Blue Sport" and want something warmer and more refined for the fall/winter, this is absolutely worth the switch.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2025
D
Verified Purchase
Dan Sungail
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
It smells as good as my cologne.
I never go out without a shot of Guerlain L'Homme Idéal L'Intense cologne. Guerlain does not offer a layered line of products with similar scents. I wanted a deodorant and body wash to match. None of the Old Spice scents came close. Axe Oud Wood & Dark Vanilla antiperspirant has more vanilla and is a bit subdued but works. Finding a body wash was harder. Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla Body Wash sounded promising, but I was apprehensive about its scent including tobacco. I did not want to smell like an ashtray. But when I opened the bottle, I was met with a surprising scent from the past. I immediately recognized it as premium Danish pipe tobacco. Most people do not recognize this aromatic scent as coming from tobacco at all. In fact, it smells more like fresh cured tobacco itself, not its smoke. This adds a very pleasant and masculine smell to the body wash on top of the spice, wood, and vanilla scent I was searching for. The scent only lasts a few hours after you rinse off. One push on the dispenser puts enough soap on a shower loofah to wash your whole body. I do not rinse off my loofah; I squeeze the soap out of it to wash my face, then I place it back in its tray next to the bottle. The scent of the remaining soap acts like incense until my next shower. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that this body soap has a rich lather and cleans as well as advertised. I had forgotten the reason I bought the body soap until I used it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Maineiac
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Intoxicating Smell!
My 'old' shower gel was getting dangerously low prompting a search for a replacement. I looked over recommendations of various sources including Amazon which led me to this Cremo product. Over the years I've purchased just a handful of products that were either colognes, soaps of various types, or aftershaves, which really stood out for their intoxicating scent. Additionally, they might have had the incredible ability to have a lasting effect of several hours. These products stood out in a way that they also were noticed by the people around me, commenting on the great odor and inquiring as to what it was. This Cremo product is in that category. The first time I used it clearly put it in that rare product list. Additionally, some of the other qualities of this product that others have commented on I have found to be true. A little goes a long way! You don't need to use nearly as much as some other products that I've had in order to get it to effectively wash body or hair. It truly does leave a soft feeling after using. I didn't realize how big the container would be when I purchased it, however can now say after a few weeks of using it, this is going to last me a long time! And I'm definitely pleased about that. I guess you can say that there are definitely other less-expensive products out there, but when you consider how well this product performs, it's a great buy! If you're currently reading this, examining products for yourself, wondering if this one is for you....hesitate no longer. When this container runs out....it's definitely going to be a long while....I will definitely buy it again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Warm base of vanilla, with a bit of spice to keep things interesting! Definitely a keeper!
First, I need to admit that Cremo is one of my “go to” brands for body wash. I love the fact that the scents are high-quality without getting into the weird “axe” arena of being able to be smelled a mile away. The body wash has a fresh, warm, earthy smell to it. Vanilla base with a bit of spice to not make it smell like a sugar cookie. I think you all know those body washes that are just too heavy with the vanilla smell. The price for this level of body wash is spot on for what you get from a quality, moisturizing, and skin care perspective. It doesn’t dry out your skin and even the deep rich color of the gel screams quality. This is a really great new scent from Cremo and one that I’d definitely come back to and keep in my rotation.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
steve
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 4
Good product but smell doesn't last
Cleans and rinses great, does not dry out your skin. Smell great, not as strong as the Italian Bergamot, nor does it last after showering. Once you dry off, smell pretty much gone. Bergamot lasts a little better
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2025

recommand products