Fire Barrel Cactus, Biznaga

Ferocactusgracilis

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Ferocactus (fer-oh-KAK-tus)
Species
gracilis (GRASS-il-is)
Synonym
Ferocactus gracilis subsp. gracilis
Ferocactus viscainensis
Ferocactus peninsulae var. viscainensis
Ferocactus peninsulae var. gracilis
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

Hesperia, California

Menlo Park, California

Blue Diamond, Nevada

Pahrump, Nevada

Saint George, Utah

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
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X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | April 2005 | neutral

The flowers are reported to be red only by some, and yellow with a red stripe or tinge by others.
The 'gracilis' subspecies usuall...Read More

K
Modesto, CA (Zone 8b) | April 2004 | positive

Barrel cactus are easily grown from seed! I picked a seed pod, took it home and made sure the seeds were dry before planting. I planted...Read More

R
Pahrump, NV | April 2004 | neutral

Its growing wild all over So. Nevada, even in areas that get as cold 15 F in the winter

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | March 2004 | positive

Colorful barrel cactus native to Baja California. tolerates frost down to about 25F. Nice red, curved thick spines

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