Echinocactus Species, Golden Barrel Cactus
Echinocactus grusonii
| Family: | Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Echinocactus (ek-in-oh-KAK-tus) (Info) |
| Species: | grusonii (groo-SON-ee-eye) (Info) |
View this plant in a gardenCategory:
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Foliage Color:
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Can be grown as an annual
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
Pale Yellow
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Green Valley, Arizona
Maricopa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Queen Creek, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona(2 reports)
Canoga Park, California
Castro Valley, California
Clayton, California
El Cajon, California
Fairfield, California
Hayward, California
Lake Elsinore, California
Lompoc, California
Los Angeles, California
Montecito, California
Oak View, California
Palm Desert, California
Reseda, California
Riverside, California
San Diego, California
San Leandro, California
San Marino, California
Illicha, Donets'ka
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
North Palm Beach, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Venice, Florida
Pesotum, Illinois
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Henderson, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Cruces, New Mexico(2 reports)
Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes
Monterey, Tennessee
Austin, Texas(2 reports)
Houston, Texas
Ingram, Texas
San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)
Spring Branch, Texas
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Jan 14, 2017, plusninety from Sochi, Great plant. I bought a medium sized plant 2 years ago, it grows outside in Sochi, Russia(9B zone). In winter I protect it from rains just with a cover, it's not harmed with light frosts. Must have plant in my opinion. |
| Positive | On Jan 23, 2013, JonthanJ from Logansport, IN wrote: Friends gave us a cactus planter when my dad died in 1992. I still have this and two of the other cacti in pots. I gave this very little attention, so it is only about 8" across here in 2013, but it did start blooming several years ago in my little greenhouse. The ruddy buds are just now poking up. There have not yet been any pups. How shallow can the pot be? |
| Positive | On Apr 22, 2011, baiissatva from Dunedin, I love you too, Golden Barrel! |
| Neutral | On Jan 9, 2010, wreinha from Macomb, IL wrote: I have a golden barrel in my greenhouse along with old man of mexico and a cardon cactus, I use to see them in arizona where I used to live, they are pretty |
| Positive | On Nov 9, 2009, basketsyea from Elizabethtown, KY wrote: Echinocactus grusonii has done extremely well for me. I live in Kentucky where it is humid most of the year -- especially in |
| Positive | On Oct 5, 2009, cactusmarty from San Antonio, TX wrote: In a succulent, or xeriscape landscape, combine Golden Barrel cacti with Agave paryyi var. truncata. This is a beautiful combination of bright yellow and very pretty blue. They compliment each other well. Good luck! |
| Positive | On Sep 12, 2008, AarronIkarus from Onalaska, WA (Zone 8b) wrote: This plant is a of Queretaro de Arteaga, Mexico. I like the yellow color and wish I could get more of them to grow in this greenhouse. |
| Positive | On Aug 24, 2007, ehofacket from Lake Elsinore, CA wrote: I have planted over 20 of these of various sizes and they are doing well. They have survived a freeze down to 19 degrees. They do a little better with some shade, especially when young. I find the color really brightens up a xeriscape garden. |
| Positive | On May 5, 2007, daleL from Las Cruces, NM (Zone 8b) wrote: bought one with three pups 5 yrs. ago. it now has 3 more pups form the 'mom' and a pup one of the original pups. no flowers yet. this early spring we had over an inch of rain (wow). all the larger apple and cow's tongue are blooming profusely ( what a beautiful sight. |
| Neutral | On Jul 25, 2005, Xenomorf from Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: This plant dosen't have herbaceous stems nor does it have any foliage (leaves). If the plant has multiple stems, the offsets can be carefully separated and rooted. Propagation also by seed. |
| Positive | On Jun 21, 2005, StarGazey26 from (Zone 10a) wrote: I have always loved Barrel Cactus.. Although i have never owned one, until now!! I went to Albertsons today, and i was just checking out what little plants they have, and i couldnt believe it when i saw that they had Barrel Cactus.. They all were in 8" pots, and they were only 1 dollar!?!?!?! Can u believe that! So i got two! I asked the manager how long they have been there, and he said over 2 weeks, and no one has bought any. So i was the first to buy two! They have a lot, but i just wanted two, my yard is kinda crowded right now.. I just fertalized them, and i know they will get nice and big for me, I love you Barrel Cactus! |
| Positive | On Nov 10, 2004, azrobin from Scottsdale, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: LOOKING FOR IMPACT? This is the one that gives a huge dose of impact. The striking round shape and the dramatic golden color are unique. Inch for inch this is the most dramatic landscape plant you can buy. It is an eye catcher without equal. This is a bread-and-butter plant for any landscape display. Unlike many plants, golden barrels get more and more beautiful as they grow. As old specimens they can be truly majestic. They normally offset with advanced age and a few multiples occur even at small sizes. Barrels are quite heavy. |
| Positive | On Jul 25, 2004, Scarlete from Tampa, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Although this plant seems to be doing well in my Tampa back yard I'm not sure if I should move it. It appears that it might be getting too much water --needs more drainage. |
| Positive | On Sep 18, 2003, miseryschild from Monterey, TN (Zone 7a) wrote: I have a very small "baby" plant I bought at one of our local nurseries in August. I have been told it is a slow grower. I can't wait until it gets the size of the others pictured, but for right now it's an adorable baby!! |
