This article provides information on how to grow dragon fruit from seeds, including growing advice, soil, harvesting, and the ideal temperatures.
Learn how to grow dragon fruit from seeds. This article provides information on growing dragon fruit from seeds, including growing tips, soil, harvesting and which temperatures are best.
What is a Dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is a tropical plant that requires full sunlight to thrive, although it can also tolerate some shade.
For planting, opt for a well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. Cactus soil should never be used as it’s too dry and can lead to root rot in these plants.
Growing from seeds can take up to seven years; however, grafting seedlings onto an established root stock will allow your plants to flower and produce fruits much sooner.
How to Grow Dragon Fruit
Soil
Dragon fruit thrives best in soil that is rich in organic matter, moist and well-draining. Furthermore, waterlogging the soil can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Dragon fruit thrives best on soil with a pH level between six and seven. This allows the plant to absorb trace metals and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium more efficiently.
For growing dragon fruit, you can either mix potting soil with organic matter or create a special mix tailored for this purpose.
Ideally, the soil should be well-draining and loose to promote rapid growth of the plant and ensure ample fruit production.
Watering
Dragon fruit, a tropical succulent, requires adequate moisture in its soil to thrive and produce fruits. Overwatering will quickly kill the plant so be sure to water only when the soil is nearly dry.
To avoid this issue, test the soil with your finger or stick before watering. A minimum of an inch of water per week is essential for healthy plant growth.
Dragon fruit trees require water, sunlight and nutrients for optimal growth. To ensure its success, plant it near a window with plenty of sunshine or in an area with ample natural light.
Doing this will promote optimal development as well as allow the tree to store maximum biomass during flowering and fruit-bearing seasons.
Temperature
If you live in a cold climate and wish to grow dragon fruit, adjust the temperature. The plant needs to be kept above 40 degrees Fahrenheit in order to protect its fruit from being damaged.
You can promote proper plant growth by moving it to a warmer room or using a humidifier if the humidity levels are low. Furthermore, make sure the plant gets plenty of sun so that it can bloom optimally.
Once the plant has had time to mature, you should prune it back for strength and maximum productivity. Trim away branches so there is space between them so the plant can develop flowers and produce fruit.
Once the flowering season is over, you can harvest your dragon fruit by cutting it in half or quartering it. This will remove most of the skin but leave behind delicious flesh for a fresh tasting treat.
Pruning
One of the best ways to grow dragon fruit is to prune it regularly. This helps regulate its size and shape, as well as keeping it from getting too heavy for its trellis.
Pruning also improves the plant’s light penetration, which is essential for flowering. You should trim back any overly long or tangled stems on your dragon fruit at least twice to three times annually.
“Sin Espinas” is a self-fertile Nicaraguan variety with stunning pink skin and sweet, firm red flesh with a Brix score of 16. It thrives in part sun conditions, producing fruits that can be harvested between June and November each year.
Harvesting
Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), commonly referred to as pitaya, pitahaya, Belle of the Night or cactus fruit, can only be harvested when fully mature on the vine – usually three or four months after flowering.
Dragon fruit typically turn from green to yellow, pink or red as they ripen. Checking the color of a dragon fruit’s skin can tell you when they are ready for harvesting.
Harvesting dragon fruit is easy: simply twist the stem and gently pull on the fruit – it should come off without breaking its cactus stalk.
When Does Dragon Fruit Mature?
The amount of time your plant needs to reach full maturity depends on the climate in which you reside.
For optimal results, the climate must be warm enough for the dragon fruit plant to bloom and set fruits. This means it should receive plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
While container-grown plants may take up to two years to bear fruit, plants can start blooming as soon as six to eight months after planting.
The good news is that after the plant reaches maturity, you may observe four to six fruiting cycles per year from a plant that has a 20 to 30-year fruit-bearing lifespan.
How Often Should I Water Dragon Fruit?
In the growing season, dragon fruit requires deep watering three times a week. Reduce this amount during winter to once every week or once every ten days.
Dragon fruit, like other cacti, can become waterlogged if overwatered; additionally, it requires excellent drainage and soil with plenty of organic matter for successful growth.
