{"product_id":"nasiona-opuncji-wyprostowanej-opuntia-stricta","title":"Upright Prickly Pear Seeds - Opuntia Stricta","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Upright Prickly Pear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking cactus native to sunny, sandy areas where it naturally forms dense thickets reaching up to \u003cstrong\u003e2 meters\u003c\/strong\u003e in height. This species is distinguished by its characteristic flattened stems called \u003cstrong\u003ecladodes\u003c\/strong\u003e, which take on an oval or inverted egg shape. These impressive segments in shades of gray-green can reach remarkable sizes – from \u003cstrong\u003e25 to 64 cm long\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e15 to 64 cm wide\u003c\/strong\u003e, while maintaining the elegant, upright habit typical of this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eFlowering and Fruiting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe bluish-green segments of \u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e provide an excellent backdrop for the intensely \u003cstrong\u003eyellow flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e that bloom from spring to summer. These ephemeral yet highly striking flowers reach a diameter of \u003cstrong\u003e10-15 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e and attract pollinators with their nectar and bright color. After flowering, the plant produces \u003cstrong\u003epurplish-red fruits\u003c\/strong\u003e with a characteristic pear shape and length of \u003cstrong\u003e6-9 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. The fruits are covered with numerous tiny hairs called \u003cstrong\u003eglochids\u003c\/strong\u003e, which serve as the plant’s natural defense mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe pulp of \u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e fruits has a \u003cstrong\u003esweetish taste\u003c\/strong\u003e and is used in cooking, especially in preserves. Young shoots, known as \u003cstrong\u003enopales\u003c\/strong\u003e, can be used as a vegetable after proper preparation. In traditional medicine, the mucilage secreted from the stems is valued for its soothing properties for burns and inflammations. However, it is important to remember that both fruits and shoots require careful cleaning of glochids, which can cause skin irritation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eGrowth and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe growth rate of this prickly pear is \u003cstrong\u003emoderate\u003c\/strong\u003e, but under optimal conditions, the plant can quickly colonize space by branching and rooting new segments. In gardens, it is advisable to control its spread, especially in warmer regions of southern Europe where the species may show invasive tendencies. In cooler parts of the continent, the risk of spontaneous spreading is much lower due to climatic limitations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eCultivation Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e tolerates extreme drought and frost down to \u003cstrong\u003e-23°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, but ensuring \u003cstrong\u003ewell-draining soil\u003c\/strong\u003e is crucial. An ideal mix would be sand, gravel, and garden soil with some perlite. The location must be in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e – even slight shade weakens flowering and the overall condition of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eIn regions with wet winters, planting on raised beds or in containers is recommended. For container cultivation, plants can be placed on terraces in summer and moved indoors to bright, cool rooms with temperatures of \u003cstrong\u003e5-10°C\u003c\/strong\u003e in winter. For ground cultivation, it is advisable to protect roots with a drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel and cover the plant with horticultural fleece during severe frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:14pt;\"\u003eOrnamental Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12pt;\"\u003eThe ornamental value of \u003cspan style=\"color:#656B39;\"\u003eOpuntia stricta\u003c\/span\u003e is highlighted not only by its striking flowers but also by its \u003cstrong\u003edecorative fruits\u003c\/strong\u003e that remain on the plant for many months. The plant works excellently in compositions inspired by desert gardens, among stones and gravel, alongside other succulents such as agaves or sedums. Its architectural form adds an exotic touch to the space, and thanks to its exceptional hardiness, it is suitable for those seeking low-maintenance plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"mr.seed","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":52461540213064,"sku":"1623","price":8.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"10","offer_id":52461540245832,"sku":"1624","price":15.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"50","offer_id":52461540278600,"sku":"1625","price":62.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true},{"title":"100","offer_id":52461540311368,"sku":"1626","price":105.9,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0939\/2649\/0440\/files\/1479.jpg?v=1770321327","url":"https:\/\/www.mrseed.eu\/en\/products\/nasiona-opuncji-wyprostowanej-opuntia-stricta","provider":"mr.seed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}