Cactus Seeds

What do you need?

You'll need a seed tray with a lid, fine potting soil, and some sand or perlite. A plant sprayer is handy for keeping the soil moist. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit spot, but not in direct sunlight. A temperature between 20 and 28 degrees is ideal. A windowsill above the radiator often works well.

Sowing in Steps

Fill the tray with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Moisten the soil thoroughly. Scatter the seeds sparingly over the surface and press them down very lightly. Do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Put the lid on the tray. After one to four weeks, you’ll see the first little green sprouts.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake when sowing cacti is overwatering. Seedlings are susceptible to mold. Therefore, always use clean, preferably sterilized soil. You can heat the soil in the microwave for a few minutes to kill fungal spores. Let it cool thoroughly afterward.

A second mistake is not providing enough light. If the plants don't get enough light, they'll grow tall and spindly. A grow light can help during the winter months. Place it about twenty centimeters above the tray.

A third mistake is transplanting too soon. Wait until the seedlings are at least one centimeter tall. Use a skewer to gently lift them out of the soil. Never grab them by the stem.

Write down the date you planted the seeds and the variety on a label. This will help you keep track of things if you’re planting multiple varieties at the same time. Keeping a notebook of your experiences will help you next time.

Growing cacti from seed takes patience, but it's a lot of fun. Every little step in their growth is a reward.

After germination

After germination, open the lid a little bit each day so the seedlings can get used to drier air. Keep the soil slightly moist, but never wet. After a few months, the seedlings will be big enough to transplant. Then place each one in its own pot filled with cactus soil.

Patience

San Pedro grows faster than Peyote. After a year, a San Pedro seedling is a few centimeters tall. A Peyote remains small for years and grows only a few millimeters per year. Want a large plant faster? Then choose a cutting.

Learn More

You can find cuttings at San Pedro and the mescaline cacti. The cacti are legally available for sale as plants. Mescaline itself is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Opium Act in the Netherlands. More unusual seeds can be found at the LSA Seeds.