How to Grow Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is an excellent tropical
fruit. It is famous for its vibrant color, refreshing sweetness and fascinating
appearance. It is commonly known as Pitaya or Pitahaya. Its growing
method is very simple. It does not require much care. If you wish, you can grow
it in your home garden or a container. But the question is how to grow
dragon fruit. Yes, today, in this article, I will share the
best and easiest way of growing dragon fruit. If you want to grow dragon
fruit in your home garden or in a container, follow my instructions step by
step.
Growing Dragon Fruit
Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Dragon Fruit
Step 1: Selecting Dragon Fruit Varieties:
Dragon fruit is native to
Central and South America. Recently, it has gained global popularity,
particularly in Southeast Asia. The plant produces stunning night-blooming
flowers like Night Queen Flowers. It produces fruits like pineapples that
contain a juicy flesh inside filled with tiny black seeds. However, dragon
fruit is a member of the cactus family. It grows well in warm and dry climates.
It is of different varieties. The most common varieties are:
- White-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus
undatus) with pink skin
- Red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus
costaricensis) with pink or red skin
- Yellow-skinned dragon fruit (Hylocereus
megalanthus) with white flesh
First of all, select a variety according
to your choice from these varieties of dragon fruit. Remember good crops
depend on good variety selection.
Step 2: When to plant Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit grows well in warm and
tropical climates. So it should be planted in the right season.
Basically, the best time to plant dragon fruit is late spring or early summer
when temperatures are warm, especially between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to
27°C).
Step 3: Selecting Suitable Soil for Dragon Fruit
Well-drained, sandy loam and slightly
acidic soil are suitable for planting dragon fruit. The ideal pH level of
soil for growing dragon fruit is between 6.0 and 7.0. So, you have to
choose this type of soil for growing dragon fruit.
Step 4: Choosing Seeds or Cuttings
Dragon fruit can be grown from both seeds
and cuttings. If you plant dragon fruit from seeds, you will have to wait
for 5-6 years to get fruits. And, if you plant it from cuttings, you will get
fruits within 1-2 years. I think it is best to grow dragon fruit from
cuttings. If you use cuttings, choose a healthy stem from an established
nursery. And, after bringing it from the nursery, keep it for 3-4 days at
home and then plant it.
Step 5: How to Plant Dragon Fruit
- Choose a sunny Place: Dragon fruit
likes sunlight. So, choose a place that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight
daily.
- Planting Depth: If you plant
dragon fruit cuttings, plant them 2-3 inches deep into the soil. Water
the roots as soon as it is planted.
- Spacing: If you plant many dragon fruit plants, plant them 8 to 6 feet apart.
Step 6: Caring for Your Dragon Fruit Plant
- Watering: Water dragon
fruit regularly but don't overwater. Always keep the soil slightly
moist.
- Support: Dragon Fruit is a
climbing cactus. So, provide a trellis for the plant to climb as it
grows.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced
fertilizer every two months to keep dragon fruit plants growing well.
During the fruiting season, use phosphorus-rich fertilizers to increase fruit
production.
Step 7: Harvesting Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit should be harvested when the
skin turns vibrant red or yellow. Usually, it is harvested 27 to 33 days
after flowering. Use a sharp knife or pruning scissors to cut the fruit
from the dragon fruit tree. Keep a small portion of the stem.
Harvest the fruit carefully to avoid bruising the delicate skin.
Step 7: Storing Your Dragon Fruit
To store dragon fruit, keep it at room
temperature for up to five days if not cut. Once cut, cover it in a
plastic container or in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three
days. For longer storage, freeze dragon fruit in chunks or puree form.
FAQ on Growing Dragon Fruit
1. How long does it
take for dragon fruit to grow?
It takes around 6 to 9 months for a dragon
fruit plant to fully establish and begin flowering. Once the flowers bloom, the
fruit develops within 30 to 50 days.
2. Can I grow dragon
fruit in a pot?
Yes, you can grow dragon fruit in a pot if
it is large enough (at least 15-20 gallons) and has good drainage.
3. How often should I
water my dragon fruit plant?
Water your dragon fruit every 1-2 weeks,
depending on your climate. Ensure the top layer of soil dries out between watering
to prevent overwatering.
4. Does dragon fruit
need full sunlight?
Yes, dragon fruit needs full sunlight.
Basically, it needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day for good growth
and fruit production.
5. What is the best
fertilizer for dragon fruit?
A balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10)
works well during the growing stage. When your plant starts flowering, apply
phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote fruit production.
Finally, dragon fruit is not only
beautiful but also helpful to health. It can make your garden beautiful. It is
very easy to grow dragon fruit plants in the home garden. Growing dragon fruit
in your home garden with minimal care, you can enjoy fresh and delicious fruit.
If you grow a dragon fruit plant this year, after two years, your home garden
will be full of dragon fruit. Follow this guide and grow dragon fruit from this
year. How to grow dragon fruit. I think it is clear to you from this
article. Thank you so much for reading the full article.
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