How to Grow Dragon Fruit: Complete Guide

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about growing dragon fruit in a container. Dragon fruit cultivation is possible and requires patience, as it takes 3 to 5 years for fruit production from seeds. However, cuttings grow rapidly and you will see results much faster.

Step 1: Preparing the Cuttings

1. Cutting Preparation:

• Cut the dragon fruit stem from the mother plant.

• Let the cuttings callous or dry for 2 to 3 days. Place them in a dry area away from direct sunlight.

2. Soil Preparation:

• Use a medium-sized container with proper drainage.

• Mix garden soil and compost in equal proportions. You can also add perlite to

• improve soil aeration.

• Fill the container with the soil mix, leaving 1-2 inches of space from the top

Step 2: Planting the Cuttings

1. Planting:

• Make a small hole in the center of the soil and insert the calloused end of the cutting into the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep.

• Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.

• Water the cutting well.

2. Sunlight and Watering:

• Place the container in a sunny spot as dragon fruit plants need full sun for better growth.

• Water the soil when it becomes dry to the touch.

Step 3: Growing Dragon Fruit from Seeds (Optional)

1. Seed Preparation:

• Scoop out the seeds from a ripe dragon fruit.

• Rinse the seeds and let them dry on a paper towel for 2-3 days.

2. Soil Preparation:

• Use the same soil mix as mentioned earlier.

• Fill the container with the soil mix and lightly cover the seeds with soil.

3. Planting:

• Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.

• Gently press the soil to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact.

• Water the soil lightly.

4. Germination:

• Keep the container in a warm, sunny spot.

• Seeds can take several weeks to germinate, so be patient.

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Step 4: Care and Maintenance

1. Transplanting:

• Once the cuttings or seedlings have grown sufficiently, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.

2. Support:

• Dragon fruit plants are climbing cacti and need support as they grow. You can use a trellis or a stake to support the plant.

3. Watering:

• Water the plants regularly but avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.

4. Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth.

5. Pollination:

• Dragon fruit flowers bloom at night and last until the morning of the next day.

• If growing indoors or in areas without natural pollinators, you may need to hand-pollinate the flowers. Collect pollen from the flower's male parts and transfer it to the female parts.

Step 5: Harvesting

1. Flowering and Fruiting:

• Dragon fruit plants typically start flowering in their third year.

• The flowers bloom at night and last only one night.

2. Harvesting:

• Dragon fruits are ready to harvest when the skin color changes and the fruit has a slight give when pressed.

• Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the plant.

3. Enjoying Your Harvest:

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• Dragon fruit can be eaten fresh, added to smoothies, or used in desserts.

Growing dragon fruit can be a rewarding experience. With patience and proper care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown dragon fruit from your garden. Happy gardening!

Also read: How to Grow Strawberries from Seed