cactus seed separation

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I don't know that cactus seeds would react the same way as tomato seeds, but when I worked in the Ag. Research dept. of H.J. Heinz years ago, we used a rather strange method.  The fruit was crushed and put in large vats outside in the San Joaquin Valley summer heat for days at a time to ferment.  It seems to me this process took at least a week.  You knew the process was complete by the hideous smell of the foaming pulp/seed combo.  (Tomato hooch?) The fermented juice broke down the gelatinous seed coating and made it a simple matter then to wash free from the pulp and skin.    As with any seeds, you would want to subject them to their natural sprouting conditions and most cacti are very adventitious - quick to sprout whenever water is available and the temp. is right, but I don't know where this cactus is native.  That would help.

 

Karrie Reid

Folsom foothill gardener