Climate?

All the featured cacti were grown in Northern Utah near Salt Lake City. Utah is part of the United States that has four distinct seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. Its elevations range from mountainous (2,500 to 4,000 m) to desert (600 m). Because of this elevation difference, Utah contains several zones of plant life.

Salt Lake City is about 1,500 m (5,000 ft.). Winters are cold. November through February, the low temperatures are about -7 C (19 F) and highs around 6 C (43 F), and it receives a fair amount of snow in winter, with sometimes up to 1 meter (3 feet) on the ground.

In the summer it is hot and dry. High temperatures are usually above 27 C (81 F), with little or no precipitation for July, August and September. During the fall (October, November), precipitation is still low with some "monsoon" storms in the late afternoons. Temperatures range from 4 to 17 C (39-63 F). Spring is wet, with sometimes weeks of rain and cooler temperatures ranging from 0 to 23 C (32-70 F).

For the entire year, the cacti receive a bit more precipitation than Salt Lake; about 40 cm or 15 inches . Alta, a ski resort nearby, receives over 1,000 cm (400 inches) in some years. Dryer areas in Utah receive less than 20 CM (8 inches) a year.

How can they grow outside?

The growing area is outside and faces west/southwest and receives no additional water. This area has several unique features. First, it is a micro-climate of the surrounding area. It is hotter and dryer. Rocks between groups of cacti absorb the heat during the day and release it at night. The soil is rocky/sandy with little organic material. It is in fact very mountain like. This area is also on a slope, which allows colder air to "drain" away.

During the winter, deep snow protects the cacti like a blanket. It seems as if the more snow, the better.

Late fall, before the snow, when the temperatures are low, is the critical time for my cacti. If they get too wet and cold too quickly, their cells will burst. Some, however, are very hardy and tend to "change" their cellular structure faster.

I think the above conditions are features that most Utah cacti have as a whole. There is really only one area of Utah that will support a true hot desert environment and that is in the southwest corner near St. George. This area is located in part of the Mojave desert and is much lower, warmer and dryer than the rest of Utah.

So even in what some might consider the worst of climate conditions, the cacti survive. Many times during the late winter, I'll see them all wrinkled, like "dried prunes". I'm amazed that within a few months they will be blooming in all their glory.

Obtaining and growing cacti in cold climates?

It might be tempting to run out and just dig one up, but there are better ways. Plus most states in the United States prohibit it since many cacti are now endangered because thousands have been collected. I've been able to find several cacti distributers in my area, and several cacti "stores" are now online.

Once you have your cacti, first think about micro-climates. In the Northern Hemisphere, a south or west facing planting area is best. Close to your dwelling is even better. Adding large rocks will also help to raise the temperature in the surrounding area. Planting on a hill will "drain" cold air away from your cactus garden.

Second, check the soil. Clays are the worst because of the shape and size of the mineral particles. For cacti, a soil with larger particles works best. You can add rocks and sand to help amend the soil. Another method is to dig a hole and fill it with rocks, next add sand and finally a mixture of sand, rock and dirt for planting. This will allow the water to drain quickly. To determine the right amount of sand/rock/dirt mix, I take some soil in my hand and squeeze it. If it forms a tight ball, then I add sand. Usually the mixture is about 1/3 of each.

Last, when your ready to plant, scoop out a shallow hole that's deep enough to cover the roots. While holding the cactus with heavy gloves or newspaper, set it in the hole and cover the roots by packing dirt around it.
Try to form a slight rounded hill to allow water to drain away from the planting area. Don't water it for a least a week. If it's in the summer and hot, a little water won't hurt.

Types to plant for cold climates (ones I grow)?

Mountain Cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii) Very Hardy, likes cooler temperatures.
Brittle Cactus (Opuntia fragilis) Very Hardy, can be a nuisance.
Rat Tail Cholla (Opuntia whipplei) Very Hardy.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) Very Hardy.
Grizzly Prickly Pear (Opuntia erinacea) Many are Hardy.
Beaver Tail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) Hardy.
Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) Very Hardy, can take more water.
Large Prickly Pear (Opuntia phaeacantha or engelmannii) Hardy.
Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) Very Hardy.
Hedgehog Cactus (Enhinocereus engelmannii) Many are Hardy.
Torch Cactus (Enhinocereus viridiflorus) Very Hardy.

Last modified on February 8, 2007