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Growing cacti from seeds can be a lot of fun, but it also takes some patience. Here is how you can grow cactus from seeds.
Propagating cacti from seeds begins with the seeds. Cacti seeds can be bought or they can be gathered from a seed producing cactus. If you choose to use seeds gathered from a cactus you should be aware that cacti produce either dry seeds or they produce fleshy berries after their flowers have been pollinated by insects. The berries that are produced are the viable seed and they will need to be dried before they are planted. To dry the berries or seeds place them in an area out of direct sunlight where they will get good air ventilation and allow them to dry out. Dried cacti seeds are viable for many years.
Step 1:

Potting soil needed for propagating cacti from seeds is a mixture of one part sand and three parts vermiculite or perlite. Another potting soil mix that is good for cacti is one part perlite or one part crushed gravel to three parts potting soil. A standard nursery flat is perfect to use if you are planting a bunch of seeds. If you are propagating more than one species of cacti, be sure to label the flat where the seeds are located.

Step 2:

Plant seed in the standard nursery flat with prepared potting soil. Seeds are to be planted 1/4 inch deep. Spray or mist the surface of the newly planted potting soil with water. Cover the standard nursery flat and the newly planted cacti seeds with a sheet of clear glass or plastic for the first few weeks of germination to retain the moisture. Place the standard nursery flat with the newly planted cacti seeds in a location with lots of sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between watering so no mold or other diseases can kill the new cacti sprouts. Treat with fungicide if necessary. Keep soil warm, 70 to 75 degrees F. This can be done by using an electric heating pad or electric light during winter months.

Step 3:

Remove the glass or plastic covering from the flat after the cacti sprouts are established.

Step 4:

Transplant cacti sprouts into individual containers that have holes in the bottom for water drainage and fill with the same potting soil that the sprouts were grown in. Water the newly transplanted cacti even less frequently than before and fertilize if necessary.

Growing cacti from seeds can be a lot of fun, but it also takes some patience. Remember, cacti do not grow very fast, but the wait can well be worth it.

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