How to Grow Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is a delicious fruit that stands out due to its flame-like appearance. The scientific name for this fruit is Hylocereus cacti, and it belongs to the cactus family. With just a little care and love from gardeners, you can grow and harvest dragon fruit right at home.

Decide whether to grow dragon fruit from seeds or by using cuttings from an established plant. This choice depends largely on the time available. Growing from seed can take up to two years before the plant bears fruit. On the other hand, using cuttings can shorten this time (depending on the size of the cuttings).

• Growing dragon fruit from seeds isn’t much harder, but it does require more patience.
• Professional nurseries often sell young plants ready for planting. Just be careful when removing the seedlings from their pots to avoid damaging them.

Decide whether to plant indoors or outdoors, and whether to plant directly in the ground or in a pot. Believe it or not, dragon fruit plants can thrive in pots. If you choose to plant in a pot, select one with a diameter of 40 to 60 cm and a depth of at least 25 cm, with a stake for the plant to climb. However, the plant will eventually outgrow the pot, so be prepared to repot it when necessary.

• If you plan to plant outdoors (whether in the ground or in a pot), choose a spot that gets at least partial sunlight. The roots can be in the shade, but the top of the plant needs sunlight to bloom.
• If you live in a warm climate with a long growing season, dragon fruit can withstand outdoor conditions. Generally, this plant can tolerate light frost, but that’s the limit. If you live in a region with harsh winters, it’s better to bring the plant indoors.

Use well-draining soil. Dragon fruit is a type of cactus, so it’s crucial to avoid planting it in wet, sticky soil. This plant doesn’t require many nutrients, but it should be planted in a well-drained area of your garden. If you live in a rainy region, consider planting it on a raised mound to allow rainwater to drain away.

• Choose a large pot with drainage holes at the bottom if you’re planting in a container. If cactus soil isn’t readily available, you can mix your own using sand, potting soil, and compost. Fill the pot with soil, leaving about 7 cm from the rim.

Let the cuttings dry before planting. If you have a freshly cut dragon fruit branch, it’s best to leave it in a shaded area for a week to dry. This helps the cut heal and prevents infection when planted in the ground.

Plant in a location with full sunlight. For the best results, dragon fruit leaves need full sun. Ensure the plant gets enough sunlight during its growth phase.

Planting the tree into the soil. When using saplings or cuttings purchased from a nursery, carefully remove the plant from its pot and transplant it into fresh soil. If you're using seeds, sprinkle a few seeds in each pot and cover them with a thin layer of soil.

• If planting with seeds, you'll need to wait and see which ones germinate. Within a few weeks, you'll notice the seedlings sprouting, and they will need to be separated; otherwise, the young plants may struggle to grow properly.
• Consider mixing a small amount of slow-release fertilizer into the bottom layer of soil before planting, as this can help the plant grow faster.

Fertilize sparingly. Even when planting with cuttings, it can take up to four months for the roots to establish themselves firmly. However, be cautious with fertilizing, as too much can harm the plant. For the best results, use a small amount of slow-release fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, specifically formulated for cactus species, and fertilize every two months. You might be tempted to apply more fertilizer in hopes of accelerating growth, but this approach isn't beneficial.

Watering dragon fruit plants like a tropical cactus. In other words, only water when the soil is completely dry. Once the plant has grown large enough to climb a support stake, be sure to maintain moisture around the stake as well. A drip irrigation system is ideal in this case.

• Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant death. Don't worry—dragon fruit doesn't require much water. If you're growing it in a pot, be mindful of rainfall. If the pot lacks drainage holes, the plant will need even less water, as excess water can pool at the bottom and cause root rot.

Keep an eye on your dragon fruit's growth. Although dragon fruit plants take a few years to reach their full potential, some can grow rapidly, reaching up to 30 cm per week. As the plant begins to develop, you may need to use climbing supports to prevent it from breaking under its own weight. These stakes will help the plant reach its maximum growth.

• If the dragon fruit plant is grown from seed and is growing rapidly, you’ll need to separate them and plant them in individual pots. Each plant requires its own space to thrive.
• You’ll notice dragon fruit flowers start to form over several weeks. However, the flowers only bloom truly at night (yes, they are nocturnal flowers), so you may miss the peak of their bloom. Many plants are self-pollinating, but if not, you can try artificial pollination by dusting the anthers with pollen and letting it fall into the flower’s center. If fruit begins to form, you’ll see the flowers fade and the ovary start to swell.

Pruning the plant. Dragon fruit plants can grow quite large; some varieties can even reach up to 6 meters in height. When the plant becomes too large, you need to start pruning by cutting off some branches. Reducing the weight will help the plant become stronger, focus its nutrients, and stimulate flowering.

• The pruned branches don't have to be discarded! You can plant them to grow new plants (they will easily root) or give them away as gifts to others.

Harvesting fruit in the latter half of the year. Dragon fruit typically ripens at the end of summer or fall, but the plant can bear fruit almost anytime if it receives sufficient water and heat. You'll know the fruit is ripe when the skin turns red or yellow, depending on the variety. The skin will also be slightly soft when pressed, but not overly soft.

Enjoying dragon fruit. You've waited several years for this moment, so make sure to savor it! You can cut the dragon fruit into pieces and peel the skin off, or simply scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Dragon fruit has a sweet taste and a texture similar to kiwi, but it is crunchier.

• Once the fruit yield reaches its peak, you may notice the plant producing 4-6 harvests per year. The harvests will gradually increase, so don’t assume the first one is the last. Be patient, and you'll be rewarded with abundant dragon fruit seasons.