How to Grow Golden Barrel Cactus

Golden Barrel Cactus is an eye catching feature plant for a drought tolerant garden. Great big yellow spines protect the plant and also protect your garden from unexpected visitors… ouch! And as the name suggests, it does look like a golden barrel.

Full sun

Will take long periods of dry weather, very drought tolerant.

Will take poor soils, but must be well drained.

Suitable for all climatic zones. All year round.

How to grow golden barrel cactus in your garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Use thick sturdy gloves so that the prickles don't hurt your hands, and remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil (just) moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with a long life mulch like bark chips, pebbles or similar, keeping it from touching the base of the plant.

Step 5

Water only occasionally once established, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development.

How to grow golden barrel cactus in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least twice the size of the root ball. Position in full sun.

Step 2

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Use thick sturdy gloves so that the prickles don't hurt your hands, and remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole in centre of pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water only occasionally once established, depending on weather conditions. Prevent the potting mix from drying out completely.

Step 5

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development.

Growing tips

Barrel cactus can be easily grown from seed.
Potted cactus should be kept in the warmest room of the home in a bright sunny location. Direct southern sunlight may burn the plant in the height of the summer, so you should move them back from the window or turn the slats on your blinds to diffuse the light.