Dragon Fruit
How to Grow Dragon Fruit
The dragon fruit plant, named for the exotic appearance of its fruit, is native to Central and South America and grows well in temperate climates. In the United States, this means the plant grows best where it is safe from frost. A member of the cactus family, the plant is not actually a tree but a series of huge vines that grow from a central stem. The outside of the fruit is either bright pink or yellow with sweet flesh that can be white or red, dotted with small seeds. Dragon fruit growing is possible from three stages: as seeds, seedlings, or a young plant. The following discussion focuses on how to grow dragon fruit at each stage.
From Seeds
Growing dragon fruit from seeds is challenging as is growing any fruit from this stage. Though they can be bought prepared, seeds can also be harvested from a fresh or dried dragon fruit with care taken to remove all flesh from around the seeds. The seeds should be planted in very shallow, well-drained potted soil and kept moist under a plastic covering. The seeds should sprout within two weeks.
From Seedlings
Once the seeds begin to grow, move them to pots that can house the dragon fruit permanently with plenty of room to grow. The soil or compost should be rich, and again, should have good drainage with small holes drilled in the bottom of the pots. As long as the temperature remains moderate and the seedlings are not over-watered, they will grow quickly. Stake the plant early on for support before heavy vines begin growing.
From a Plant
dragon fruit
Cuttings can be taken from a mature dragon fruit plant to begin a new plant. Cut off a substantial vine from the stem of the plant and deposit it directly into a pot of soil. If the cutting grows successfully, it could potentially flower within a year.
Have you grown dragon fruit? What do you recommend? Leave a comment below!
Tom Laya
Wednesday 8th of July 2015
Hello, i am interested in growing dragon fruit, where can i buy cuttings for the red dragon fruit variety? thank you
Matt
Tuesday 12th of February 2013
You can order dragonfruit seeds from ebay. Plants that don't produce fruits are either malnourished or unpollinated. Dragonfruit are nocturnal and in nature require bats/moths to pollinate. If you live in an area without either then you will need to do it yourself. The information on how to pollinate them can be found online.
hazra
Wednesday 6th of February 2013
.. i'am from mauritius. i have a dragon plant at my place. the plant has been flowered for the first time. i want to know after how many days it will give fruit
betty
Saturday 19th of May 2012
Hi I have a big dragon fruit plant. The plant is 5 years old very healthy lots of leaves. the plant has flowered many times , but has not produced any fruit. do you have any suggestions.
Thanks for any help Betty St. Petersburg, FL
amita
Monday 7th of July 2014
Betty, i think u have a mae plant or must cross pollinate it by spreading the pollen wiz the help of a small paint brush . so gently brush the flowers so that the polen can shift from one flower to another, yet some say must plant a male n a female so that they cros polinate n bear fruits
admin
Saturday 19th of May 2012
Betty, have you contacted your local nursery to see if they have any ideas? You might also look for fellow dragon fruit growers in Yahoo! Groups to see if they have any ideas. Thanks, Jenny
Glennys
Friday 2nd of March 2012
I live in Melbourne Australia does anyone know where I can buy a dragon fruit plant and would it grow ok here