How to Plant Cactus Seed

Purchase seeds from a local vendor or reputable online seed company. Many places that sell lawn and garden equipment also sell seeds.

Mix your potting soil. Use a mixture of about half perlite or pumice, half potting soil. Or add 2 inches of sand on the bottom with 2 inches of equally mixed sand and peat on top. Aquarium sand is good.

Add soil to a shallow container with good drainage, and water the soil before the seeds are planted. Use a container with a depth of at least 4 inches and pure water.

Plant your seeds by shaking them on the soil's surface. Distribute evenly, then gently press into the soil to a depth that equals its width. Planting too deeply kills the plant before it reaches the surface.

Cover the seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of potting soil.

Place a transparent covering across the container. Glass or a plastic bag is best to use.

Set your miniature greenhouse in a warm location. Ideally, the temperature should be no lower than 70 degrees F. Your seeds will begin to germinate in about 3 weeks. Certain cactus plants need up to 10 weeks.