want to use netting to keep the birds off. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Make sure that the garden bed is in the shade. Beavertail cacti seeds need shade to grow, whereas cuttings need plenty of direct sunlight. Be aware that growing Beavertail cactus from seeds takes much longer than growing one from a cutting. It can take as long as 4 to 4 years before you get flowers. Method 2 of 2: From Cuttings Obtain Beavertail cuttings. You can purchase them online or at a local garden center. If you already own a Beavertail cactus, you can make your own cuttings. To do this, choose pads (the flat, oval-shaped sections that make up a cactus) that are 6 months old or older and cut