I’m sure I have shared pictures of these cactus with you before, but they are always the first cactus to bloom outdoors, and they always put on a show. This year was no different. So they deserve to be recognized once again.
Other cactus grown in Wyoming, and I have a few, but most of mine are pediocactus simpsonii, mountain ball cactus. And true to their name, the plant grows in a very round, perfect ball shape. They are fat and healthy and just bursting with blooms.
Notice the differences in the shades of pink. I have seen pictures of these cactus with yellow blooms, but mine are all in the pink family. Perhaps different colors grow in different parts of the state. Mine all came from the Laramie/Centennial area, on the Vee Bar Ranch, to be specific, where they graciously allowed me to dig to my heart’s content. I know some people look down upon taking cactus from their natural habitat, but mine are healthy and happy and reproducing as we speak. I find babies coming up from seed all around the parent plants. And I certainly didn’t make a dent in the local cactus population, so no harm was done.
These are definitely cold hardy and are a wonderful addition to any cactus garden. And I had a great time gathering a few to bring home. Much more fun than just buying them…
Hi Alice, I have been in Wyoming about a year and have ball cactus on the property. I’m turning it into pasture for the horse so want to move the cacti (save them from being trampled).. I love their flowers. Moved a few last year and they came back well this year. I’m wondering whether they need more than 6-7 hours of sun to flower? I’ve got a place to move the remaining cacti but want to make sure its best for their full life cycle. Thanks for sharing your photos.
I don’t know if they need more than seven hours of sun, but that is probably what they get in Wyoming where they grow in nature, so I would just look at how much sun they are getting before you move them, and transplant them to a location that gets similar sun. Mine get full morning sun and as the sun moves to the west, by evening they eventually are in shade, and they bloom just fine. Where I dug mine up in Wyoming they were out in full sun, so I think they will adapt to wherever you put them. Good luck!
Hello,
I’m wonder if you ever allow people to explore and look around for cacti in your property? We are looking for seed from cactus in Laramie)
Thanks so much welcome to call 8013475999
I would be glad for you to come look around-but in the spring when things are blooming would be the best time. The Wyoming cactus do have fruit and seeds on them now, however.
Awesome, thank you so much. We are here in Laramie until Friday 11/10 and if you have time we’d love to see what is around or we can chat again closer to spring)
I hope to see you soon!