Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/20/2007

Question
Hello,
Everyone told me that I could not grow a cactus in Wisconsin, but I'm must have one heck of a micro-climate out my kitchen door because "Pokey", "Pokey Junior", and Pokey III" are growing like weeds. Now I have to trim them as they are growing over the back walk. I don't want to kill them, but don't know what to do. They look like a prickle pear, and last year had some really pretty purple fruits on them, but I really don't know what kind they are. Any help to trim them safely, yet keep the family going would be gratefully appreciated.
Sincerely,
Liza Schneider

Answer
Liza,

You can easily trim off some of the "pads" without hurting the plant. Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia's can be very hardy and they grow naturally from Canada to the tip of South America. If you can send me a picture to gregandkat@msn.com, I can try to identify it for you. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg