Notocactus leninghausii Cactus Seeds

Notocactus leninghausii — the iconic "Golden Ball Cactus," prized for its dense
covering of soft golden-yellow spines and its large, vivid yellow flowers.

Native to the rocky hillsides of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, this species
(now classified as Parodia leninghausii) is one of the most recognizable cacti in
cultivation. Young plants form perfect golden globes; as they mature, they elongate
into columns and lean gently toward the sun — a charming habit that gave rise to
the affectionate nickname "Lemon Ball Cactus." Mature specimens cluster freely from
the base, eventually forming dense golden colonies.

Flowering begins on plants roughly 6 inches tall and continues reliably each summer,
producing 2-inch lemon-yellow blooms at the crown. The contrast of bright flowers
against the golden spination is what makes this species a long-standing favorite of
both beginning growers and serious collectors.

One of the easiest cacti to grow from seed — vigorous, forgiving, and quick to show
its characteristic golden spines within the first few months.

Germination Notes

Temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C)
Timing: 7–21 days, with most seedlings emerging in the first two weeks
Method: Surface sow or barely cover — seeds need light to germinate
Medium: Sterile, fast-draining cactus mix kept consistently moist (not wet) until
germination, then transitioned to standard cactus watering
Humidity: Cover with plastic dome or bag until seedlings emerge

• Fresh seeds, current harvest
• Hand-collected and packaged in Blythe, California
• Detailed germination instructions included with every order
• Ships daily Monday–Friday from the Sonoran Desert