How to grow Dragon fruit
The first time I bit into a dragon fruit, I was hooked. That vibrant fuchsia flesh with the black speckles? Amazing. And the taste? A sweet, subtle explosion of flavor. I knew then I had to try growing my own.
Turns out, these spiky wonders aren’t as intimidating as they look. Here’s my journey, from complete novice to proud dragon fruit grower, complete with a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Seed vs. Cutting?
There are two main ways to cultivate your dragon fruit obsession: seeds or cuttings. Seeds are readily available online, but germination can be slow and the variety might be unknown. Cuttings, on the other hand, grow faster and produce fruit that reflects the parent plant. I opted for cuttings, snagging a healthy one from a friend.
Step 2: Hello, New Friend!
My cutting arrived looking like a thick, green pencil with a few bumps. Using sharp shears, I made a clean cut about 12 inches down from the tip. Let the cut end callous over for a few days, which simply means leaving it in a cool, dry spot to seal up.
Step 3: Potting Up
Think drainage! Dragonfruit despise soggy roots. I used a pot with ample drainage holes and a cactus mix, adding some perlite for extra aeration. I planted the calloused end about 2-3 inches deep, making sure the pot wasn’t too big – a cramped home encourages root growth.
Step 4: Sunshine & Water Wisdom
Dragon fruit love sunshine, but scorching afternoons can be harsh. I placed mine in a spot with bright, morning sun and afternoon shade. Watering is key, but don’t drown it! I wait until the soil feels completely dry before giving it a deep soak, letting the excess drain out completely.
Step 5: Climbing High
These cacti are climbers, so I provided support early on. A sturdy stake or trellis works wonders. As my dragon fruit grew, I gently guided the new stems to wrap around the support.
Step 6: The Waiting Game (and the Reward!)
Patience is a must. It can take a year or two before your dragon fruit produces flowers, and those magical blooms only open at night! But when they do, hand-pollination can increase your chances of fruit set. After a few weeks, watch in awe as a tiny dragon fruit starts to grow. It can take a few months to reach maturity, but the wait is so worth it.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to give your dragon fruit a little TLC. A balanced fertilizer for cacti, applied monthly during the growing season, can give it a boost.
Now, whenever I see those vibrant fruits hanging from my very own cactus, I have a sense of accomplishment – and a fridge full of delicious dragon fruit treats!
More information here https://exoticfruitsandvegetables.com/how-to-grow/dragon-fruit-tree/