How to Grow Dragon Fruit?

What is a dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has been used in Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. It is native to the Americas, but we can also find it in other tropical regions like Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and Thailand. It has a life span of 15-20 years. This article will guide you on how to grow dragon fruit.

The dragon fruit is also known as Pitaya, and it belongs to the cactus family. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and its flesh ranges from light pink to dark red when ripe.

What does dragon fruit taste like?

Dragon fruit tastes sweet, with a slightly sour flavor. Some might describe it as a strawberry, pineapple, and watermelon mixture.
The skin is green, and the inside flesh can range from white to pink to red, depending on your choice.
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, good for your immune system and skin health.

What are the health benefits of eating dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
It is also high in vitamin C, which can help to improve immune system function, reduce blood pressure and prevent cancer. Other than that, it is an effective asthma treatment.
It is also rich in antioxidants that can help fight against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress on cells and lead to serious health problems such as cancer.

What is the size of a dragon fruit?

The size of the dragon fruit can vary depending on the variety and where it was grown. It will generally be between 6 to 8 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide if you’re buying one from your local grocery store.

What is the best way to grow dragon fruit?

The best way to plant dragon fruits is by propagating them from cuttings. Choose branches that are 1 to 4 years old. Younger branches will take a longer time to get matured and branches.

Outstanding Features of Dragon Fruit Tree

1. Dragon fruit can grow in any soil, especially in well-draining soils.
2. Dragon fruit is a cactus that requires very little water compared to other plants. They can survive without water for months.
3. Dragon fruit trees don’t need much maintenance.
4. They have massive demand in the local and international markets.

Step by step to plant dragon fruit.

1. Choose cuttings that are 1 to 4 years old. Mature cuttings will grow their branches faster than younger cuttings.
2. Leave cutting to air dry for 5-7 days. Please do not put it into the water during this period.
3. After 5 – 7 days, plant the dragon fruit cuttings in a pot or directly in the ground.
4. After two weeks, dragon fruit cuttings will start to grow roots.
5. Transplant the cutting into the soil if you first planted it in a pot.
6. Dragon fruit takes about 1.5 years to produce its first fruit after planting.

Support method

Dragon fruit cactus plants grow vines. Put up a trellis or pole to allow the cactus to grow up while loosely tying the vine near the top of your support. Here are pictures of the support system for growing dragon fruit.

At my family’s garden, my father built the support system by making a vertical pole using wood, and he put a used tire on top of the pole so that the vines fall like an umbrella.

When does a dragon fruit flowers bloom?

Dragon fruit plants usually bloom from May to October. Dragon fruit flowers bloom at night and only last for one evening. Walk around your garden with a flashlight at night to see the blooming flowers.

Dragon fruit trees that are not mature enough take longer to bloom.

Harvesting

Harvest dragon fruit when they are close to fully ripe.

Once the fruit turns from green to yellow or red, it’s ready to harvest. The sides of the fruit also change from small green leaves to brown or faded ones as it ripens.

Climate

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that can be grown in a warmer climate. The plant needs to be grown in a place where it is warm throughout the year and where there are no freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

Growing dragon fruit is an excellent choice for people who want a low-maintenance fruit with a high yield. Plants may grow up to 10 feet and produce fruit for 12 years. These plants will produce lots of fruit on long, straight canes. They do not require complex care or fertilizer.
My parent can harvest up to 800 kg dragonfruit for 50 dragon fruit trees around the house during the harvest season.

Okay, that’s it for dragon fruit. If you like to know how to plant capsicum, check this article.

Or if you are looking for beautiful indoor plants as gifts, head to this article on 12 Popular Heart-Shaped Leaf Plants