Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea (CACTACEAE)
Planting and Growing Saguaro Cactus
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow saguaro cactus in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, and fruit of saguaro cactus
- Growing conditions for saguaro cactus
- When and where to plant saguaro cactus
- How to plant saguaro cactus
- How to shape, prune and control growth of saguaro cactus
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of saguaro cactus
- Landscape uses of saguaro cactus
- Pest and disease control for saguaro cactus
Growing Saguaro Cactus
Single species of slow-growing, long-lived, erect, columnar, often branching, ribbed cacti, to 60 ft. (18 m) tall, armed with gray brown, awl- or needle-shaped spines. Protected, endangered species; plant only nursery-cultivated specimens.
Saguaro cactus are a federally protected endangered species in their native range of Arizona.
Saguaro Cactus Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Showy, cream, white, funnel-shaped, single-petaled flowers, to 5 in. (13 cm) long, opening at night and persisting until following day, in late spring on mature plants, form broadly oval, red, pulpy, edible fruit, to 3 in. (75 mm) wide, in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–8. Semi-hardy. Best in Sonoran desert climates featuring monsoon summer and winter rains.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp to dry, well-drained, sandy soil. Fertility: Average–low. 7.0–8.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 10–15 ft. (3–4.5 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate–challenging. Water deeply in summer, late autumn; withhold all water in spring, early autumn, winter. Drought tolerant. Fertilize annually in summer. Propagate by cuttings, offsets, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents in arid gardens and landscapes. Disease resistant. Burrowing owl-, woodpecker-damage susceptible.
Warning:
Spines can be hazardous; avoid planting in gardens frequented by pets and children.