A dragon fruit tree is a great way to add a little tropical flair to your garden. Here’s how to start one from seed.
Are you searching for a way to add some pizzazz to your backyard or an eye-catching fruit that’s as healthy as it is eye-catching, a dragon fruit tree can be the perfect choice.
When it comes to soil pH or type, dragon fruit plants don’t have a particular preference. A rich organic matter and well-draining soil will ensure their success.
Cacti experts also suggest mulching around the base of your plants during dry spells in order to retain moisture in dry weather conditions.
Growing a Dragon Fruit Tree
Seeds
Dragon fruit tree seeds can be planted indoors for propagation. Unfortunately, these cacti take seven years before they produce fruit, so the more popular alternative is to grow them from stem cuttings instead.
Seed germination rates differ between varieties. It’s essential to plant seeds only a quarter inch deep and keep them moist until they sprout.
Some varieties of dragon fruit are self-fertile, but others require cross pollination from nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. You can also hand pollinate a dragon fruit using cotton swabs; however, do this at night when the fruit is most likely to ripen.
Dragon fruit plants can grow up to 20 feet in height. To reduce the risk of disease and other issues, prune the plant each fall by pruning away dead or decaying branches. Doing this helps improve airflow and reduce humidity levels in the greenhouse.
Cuttings
Growing a dragon fruit tree from cuttings is an efficient and fast way to bring fruit production into your home. It’s ideal for those who are too busy or don’t have the patience to wait for seeds and seedlings to bear fruit.
Dragon fruit tree cuttings require only one to three years before they begin bearing flowers and fruit, unlike seeds which take many years to mature.
Furthermore, cuttings of this species tend to be less vulnerable to pests and diseases that could potentially destroy a plant when grown from seed.
If you decide to grow a dragon fruit tree from cuttings, select a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and space the cuttings closely together. Water them lightly and allow them to dry out between waterings.
Once the cuttings have dried out, place them in sandy cactus soil and water them monthly. Within one month, they should begin sending out roots and making themselves at home!
Transplanting
Dragon fruit is an ideal tropical plant to grow. It prefers warm temperatures and partial shade, though it will tolerate full sunlight as well.
Once your dragon fruit plant reaches its maximum height, you should repot it into a larger pot. A suitable container for this species would be 15″-24″ in diameter and at least 10″ deep.
When transplanting a dragon fruit plant to its new home, make sure the soil is well-drained and there’s enough room for growth. Fill your pot with potting soil that isn’t too sandy or acidic.
Once you have the proper potting mix, place your cuttings into the pot. Be sure to plant each stem cutting side down.
Finally, ensure you regularly water and feed your dragon fruit tree with balanced fertilizer. Doing so can increase fruit production and keep pests away.
Pruning
Dragon fruit (pitaya) is an exotic tropical climber that produces beautiful pink or yellow fruits. You can propagate this exotic tree from seeds, cuttings, or grafting for an eye-catching addition to your garden.
To maximize the productivity of your dragon fruit tree, prune back any dead or damaged branches. Additionally, you should retrain and support your plant so it can grow up more rapidly and remain healthy.
During the growing season, you can fertilize your dragon fruit tree with a high-nitrogen granular fertilizer. It’s recommended that you apply this balanced fertilizer every couple of months during this time.
Once your dragon fruit plants begin producing flowers, it’s time to harvest them. Select the fruits when their skins are ripe and most of their bracts are green; some varieties such as Nicaraguan dragon fruit and pink-fleshed pitayas can be allowed to ripen a little longer; especially since Nicaraguan dragon fruit has an acidic taste.
How long does it take for a dragon fruit to bear fruit?
It usually takes a dragon fruit plant between 3 and 5 years to start bearing fruit, depending on the variety. Additionally, soil type, temperature, and amount of sunlight can also affect the time it takes for the plant to produce fruit.
A location that receives full sun is best for the Dragon Fruit Tree, which thrives in a lot of light.
Once the dragon fruit plant starts bearing fruit, the fruit is generally ready to be harvested after 8 to 9 months. It is also important to note that dragon fruit plants will only produce fruit if the flowers are pollinated.
Hand pollinating is often necessary for fruit production, especially for plants grown indoors. Harvesting begins when the fruit’s color changes from green to yellow or red.
