Indian fig cactus (Opuntia phaeacantha)

An evergreen perennial growing to 0.5 m. Very hardy as long as the soil is not wet. Requires dry, well drained soil. Give some protection from rain and snow (by walls). Sow seed indoors in well-drained soil. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them in greenhouse or indoors for their first two winters. Plant them out into permanent positions after the last expected frosts.