Opuntia ficus-indica is more commonly known as a Barbary fig. This desert plant has been used for centuries as food, fending, and even dye. Growing Barbary fig plants, as long as you live in the right climate, is both rewarding and useful.
What is a Barbary Fig?
Barbary fig, a variety of prickly pear cactus, is thought to be native to Mexico where it has long been used for a variety of purposes. The fruits and pads can be eaten by humans and livestock, and the size, sprawling growth, and thorns make this cactus a good natural fence and barrier. The insects that are used to make red dye feed on prickly pear, which has made it an economically useful plant. Today, the plant has spread far from Mexico. It is common in the southwest U.S. and is considered invasive in Africa. While Opuntia/Barbary fig info is practical for so many purposes, this plant is also great as simply an attractive addition to the garden. The plant grows green “pads,” which are covered in spines. At the tips of the pads, yellow to orange flowers bloom, followed by red fruits. The fruits are also known as tunas. Both these and the pads can be prepared and eaten.
How to Grow a Barbary Fig
As a cactus, this plant requires a desert climate to thrive-- dry, hot conditions. It is hardy through zone 8 but is best in hotter regions. For the right location, Barbary fig care is easy. Give it a spot that gets full sun and little water. If you live in the desert, you can essentially put your cactus in a suitable area of the garden and leave it alone. It will grow and thrive. If you want to grow it indoors, it will do well in a container that is big enough. With the right sunny spot and dry soil, your Barbary fig may grow as tall as 10 feet (3 m.), so give it plenty of space, or plan spacing accordingly if you want to use it as a fence.
-
Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year RoundAfter reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
-
Growing Cold Hardy Eastern Prickly Pear CactusFor info on growing cold hardy eastern prickly pear cactus, look no further, just click here!
-
Spineless Prickly Pear Info – Tips For Growing Ellisiana Prickly PearsIf you are among the many gardeners who like cactus but don’t like spines, it may be time to consider installing ellisiana cactus in your backyard, better known as spineless prickly pear. Click here for information on growing ellisiana prickly pear.
-
Engelmann Prickly Pear Info – Learn About Growing Cactus Apple PlantsEngelmann prickly pear, also commonly called cactus apple plants, is a wide-ranging species of prickly pear. This is a pretty plant for desert gardens, and it will grow at a moderate rate to fill in large spaces. Learn more about it in this article.
-
Cow’s Tongue Plant Care: How To Grow A Prickly Pear Cow’s TongueFolks that live in hot climates often utilize plants that are drought tolerant. A great example is a cow’s tongue prickly pear. Besides having a fabulous tongue in cheek name, it is very tolerant of heat and dry conditions, plus it makes a great barrier. Learn more here.
-
Beavertail Cactus Care – How To Grow A Beavertail Prickly Pear CactusBeavertail prickly pear cactus is a clumping, spreading cactus with flat, grayish-green, paddle-like leaves. It glows with brilliant, rose-purple blooms in spring and early summer. Have we piqued your curiosity? Click here for more beavertail prickly pear information.
-
Tulip Prickly Pear Info: Guide To Growing Brown Spined Prickly PearsWhat is a tulip prickly pear? This cactus is also known as brown spined prickly pear for its rust to reddish brown spines. If you live in warm, arid regions, learn how to grow brown spined prickly pear and add its unique flowers to your garden. This article will help.
-
Harvesting Edible Cactus Pads – How To Pick Cactus Pads To EatOpuntia produces several types of edibles. The fruits are delicious in jams and jellies. But can you eat cactus pads? Yes, the broad, succulent pads can be eaten raw or cooked. You just need to know how to pick cactus pads and how to prepare them. This article will help.
-
Opuntia Cactus Varieties: What Are Different Types Of Opuntia CactusOpuntia is the largest genus in the cactus family. You will recognize most by their classic "prickly pear" appearance. Growing Opuntia in gardens adds desert appeal and unique flora to the landscape. Learn more about the plants in this article.
