As a tropical fruit, dragon fruit (also known as pitaya) is in high demand for its delicious flavor and health benefits. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to grow dragon fruit from seeds or cuttings if you have the right information. In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to grow dragon fruit from seeds at home. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to get your dragon fruit plantation started!
Table of Contents
About Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is the fruit of several cactus species indigenous to Central and South America. The dragon fruit plant is a member of the genus Hylocereus, which includes about 20 species of climbing cacti. These plants are also known as pitahayas or strawberry pear.
The exact origins of the dragon fruit are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the region between Mexico and Costa Rica. Dragon fruit is now grown in many tropical and subtropical countries around the world, including Vietnam, Thailand, Israel, Malaysia, India, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Honduras, Panama, and the Philippines.
Dragon fruit is a fleshy, sweet fruit that is low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The most common variety of dragon fruit has bright red skin and white flesh with black seeds. However, there are also varieties of dragon fruit with yellow or pink skin and white, purple, or red flesh.
Types of Dragon Fruit
There are three main types of dragon fruit:
Hylocereus undatus, also known as the night-blooming cereus or Hawaiian red dragon fruit, is the most common type of dragon fruit. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
This variety of dragon fruit has bright red skin and white flesh with black seeds. The fruit is oval or oblong in shape and averages about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length.
Hylocereus costaricensis, also known as the Costa Rican pitaya or red-fleshed dragon fruit, is native to Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
This variety of dragon fruit has yellow or greenish-yellow skin and red flesh with black seeds. The fruit is oval or pear-shaped and averages about 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) in length.
Hylocereus megalanthus, also known as the giant cactus or purple dragon fruit, is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
This variety of dragon fruit has green or yellow skin and white or purple flesh with black seeds. The fruit is oval or oblong in shape and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
Best Climate for Growing Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a tropical plant that thrives in hot, humid climates. The ideal temperature for growing dragon fruit is between 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C). Dragon fruit can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but the plant will not produce fruit at these lower temperatures.
How to Grow Dragon Fruit From a Seed
You can use the way to grow dragon fruit is from a seed. You purchase dragon fruit seeds online or from a nursery.
Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This will help your plants germinate faster.
To plant, you fill a pot with well-draining potting mix and plant the seeds 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep. Water the soil and place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
The seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Once they sprout, thin out the seedlings so that only the healthiest plant remains.
You also can start in water for your seeds. Simply place the seeds in a cup of water and wait for them to germinate. Once they sprout, transfer the seedlings to pots filled with potting mix.
How to Plant Dragon Fruit From Cuttings
Dragon fruit cuttings can be purchased from a nursery or online retailer. You can also collect the cuttings from a dragon fruit you purchase at the grocery store.
To plant the cuttings, fill a planting pot with well-draining potting mix and moisten the soil with water. Place the cutting in the center of the pot and cover with a thin layer of potting mix.
Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cutting will root in 7-21 days. Once the plant has rooted, transplant it into a larger pot or into the ground.
How to Care for a Dragon Fruit Plant
Water:
Dragon fruit plants should be watered regularly, especially during the flowering and fruiting stage. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Humidity and temperature:
Dragon fruit is a tropical plant that thrives in hot, humid climates. The ideal temperature for growing dragon fruit is between 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C). This plant can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but the plant will not produce fruit at these lower temperatures.
Soil:
They need full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil. The plants are drought tolerant but will produce more fruit if they are watered regularly.
Sunlight:
Dragon fruit plants need full sun to partial shade.
Fertilize:
The plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Dragon fruit plants are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilization.
Pruning:
It is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant or encourage fruit production. To prune, cut back the main stem by a few inches.
Pests or diseases:
Your plants are not susceptible to many pests or diseases, but they can be attacked by mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Harvesting Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is ready to harvest when the skin is bright in color and the fruit is slightly soft to the touch. Cut the fruit from the stem with a sharp knife.
The fruits can be eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, or desserts. Dragon fruit can also be dried and used as a decoration or in trail mix.
Growing Dragon Fruit in Containers
Dragon fruit plants can be grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix and plant the dragon fruit cutting or seedling.
Water the soil and place the pot in a sunny location. Dragon fruit plants grown in containers will need to be fertilized more often than those grown in the ground. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant or encourage fruit production. To prune, cut back the main stem by a few inches.
Common Mistakes When Growing Dragon Fruit
Not providing enough sunlight: Dragon fruit plants need full sun to partial shade. The plant will not produce fruit if it does not get enough sunlight.
Over-watering: Dragon fruit plants are drought tolerant and do not need to be watered frequently. Water the soil only when it is dry to the touch.
Dragon fruit plants need well-draining, fertile soil: Do not plant the dragon fruit in soil that is too sandy or too clayey. The plant will not thrive in these conditions.
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FAQs About How to Grow Dragon Fruit From a Seed
How long does it take to grow dragon fruit?
It takes about 3-4 years for a dragon fruit plant to mature and produce fruit.
What is the best way to pollinate dragon fruit?
The flowers of the dragon fruit plant are self-pollinating, so no extra effort is needed to pollinate the flowers.
What are the benefits of growing dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is a nutritious and exotic fruit that is relatively easy to grow. The plant is also drought tolerant and can be grown in containers.
How do you eat dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit can be eaten fresh or used in juices, smoothies, or desserts. Dragon fruit can also be dried and used as a decoration or in trail mix.
Does dragon fruit need a lot of water?
Dragon fruit plants are drought tolerant but will produce more fruit if they are watered regularly. Water the plants when the soil is dry to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm).
Is dragon fruit easy to grow?
Dragon fruit is a tropical plant that needs full sun, well-draining soil, and warm temperatures to thrive. The plants are relatively easy to grow and are not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
How do you germinate dragon fruit seeds in water?
To germinate dragon fruit seeds in water, start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. After soaking, place the seeds on a damp paper towel and put them in a warm, sunny location. Keep the paper towel moist but not wet. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Conclusion
If you are patient and follow the steps we outlined in this post, you should be able to successfully propagate dragon fruit from seeds or cuttings. Once your plants start producing fruit, you will have a continuous supply of this delicious and nutritious fruit. Have you tried propagating dragon fruit? What tips would you add? Let Garden In The City know in the comments below.
