Question
Hi Greg,  
I am a novice gardener.....spent last winter studying horticulture to landscape my courtyard.  I really love cacti and succulents and could use some helpful hints.

I have some cactus seeds but need to know the best way to plant them for success.  

I live in Newcastle, Australia....mediteranian climate.....sorry about the spelling.  Any advice will be appreciated.  

Kind regards,

Sonja

Answer
Dear Sonja,

Right up front, I should let you know most cacti grow very slowly (especially from seed), so if your planning on landscaping your courtyard you should probably buy some landscape size cacti. That said, the best luck I have had is with those plastic salad containers you get from a fast food place (like McDonalds) that has a clear plastic top. They are about 8" in diameter.

I fill the bottom of the container (after I have poked some drainage holes in it) with soil mixed with some sand. I sprinkle the top of the soil with the seeds and then just a little (very little) more sand on top. Put the top on, and then sit it in a tray of water. The soil will soak up the water from the bottom (the seeds won't be disturbed that way).

After roughly 30 to 45 days, they will start to sprout. I believe you are heading into winter now and if that is true, now may not be the best time to sow seeds. Wait until the days start getting longer to start the process and keep the seed tray above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

Greg