How to Grow Dragon Fruit Plant Organically at home?

This article explains how to grow dragon fruit plant organically at home.

Dragon fruit is gaining popularity alongside avocado, and people are easily drawn to taste this heavily textured fruit because of its striking pink colour. A decade ago, dragon fruit was almost a non-existent fruit in most parts of the world and got instant fame, mostly because people started sharing their experiences of trying exotic fruits online. It does look different from the majority of fruits and blooms only at night, making it more distinctive.

​Dragon fruit is also known as pitahaya and dragon fruit cactus, and features leathery skin and thorn-like fins, which are similar to dragon skin and the reason it gets its name. It not only looks stunning but is packed with nutrients. Its taste is also a debate because different people have recorded different flavours, with some claiming it to be a mix of the sweet taste of mild kiwi fruit, watermelon, and pear, while a few have described it as blatant.

​As it is also easy to grow dragon fruit on your own, it is slowly making its way into the home garden. It grows up to 20 feet tall and features climbers. If you are still thinking whether it will be a good idea to grow dragon fruit at home, it is high time you tried your hand at it. This guide will help you with how to grow dragon fruit plant with every detail you need.

​Origin and Types

​Before delving into the details of growing dragon fruit, let’s also understand dragon fruit origin which would help create an ideal growing condition for them. Scientifically named as “Hylocereus undatus,” dragon fruit is originally found in Central America, South America, and Southern Mexico, but was introduced to the world as a part of the commercial cultivation in 1990, precisely in South Asian’s tropical countries. Its popularity slowly reached other parts of the world, and countries like India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka started cultivating dragon fruit on their lands as well.

There are also 3 types of dragon fruits, and the most common is Hylocereus undatus, which has pink skin colour and white flesh colour, and has a mild flavour. Another type is Hylocereus costaricensis, which has both inside and outside in red colour, and is rich in flavour. The last type is Hylocereus megalanthus, which has white flesh colour and yellow skin colour, and is often considered to be the sweetest.

​Step-by-Step Guide on How to Grow a Dragon Fruit Plant

​Let’s now begin with the most important part, which is how to grow the dragon fruit plant, and here we are sharing a step-by-step guide:

​Ideal Time

​The first thing you need to be aware of is that you can’t plant a dragon fruit plant at any time of the year and expect it to bloom. There is an ideal dragon fruit planting season when they are best planted and grow perfectly, and their growing season is considered to be from March to August.

​Germinating Seeds​

Next, germinate seeds if you are not planting the cutting directly. Take out the seeds from a ripped dragon fruit and rinse and dry the seeds by spreading them out. Plant the dried seeds in a seed tray with sterile potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but place it in a tray in a sunny location.​

Choosing A Planting Site

​Another important step is to choose an ideal location for their growth, and it must be a well-drained soil and under full sun with little shade but ample space. As the dragon fruit plant is a large and heavy cactus plant, it spreads sooner and has long stems.

​Providing Perfect Space and Depth

​Next, dig a hole which is 3 to 4 times in diameter and 3 times deeper than the plant’s length. It will help the soil create enough space to accommodate the cutting or the plant once you put it in it. Cover the hole with the soil before putting the plant. ​

Transplant Seedlings

​Once the seedling you have kept grows about 6 inches tall, transplant them into the hole you have dug, and ensure to place it 2 to 3 feet apart from each other. Cover the roots of the seedling properly with the soil.

​Plant Cuttings

​If you are directly using cutting and not seeds, then cut a 12-inches part from the ripped dragon fruit and cut the end to dry off completely and let it harden for a few days. Dig a hole in the soil and put the cutting with 2 inches of it buried deep in the soil.

​Post Plantation Care of Dragon Fruit Plants

​Your task of planting a dragon fruit seedling or cutting doesn't end here, but begins because the post plantation care ensures whether you will successfully grow a dragon fruit on your own or not. Let’s understand the post plantation of dragon fruit plant needs and care:

Soil​

Maintaining the soil type or pH level of the soil for dragon fruit plants is not a tiring task and requires minimal effort. All you need to ensure that the soil has well-managed drainage and contains organic matter. This must be done when you are growing the plant in a drier region so that the soil can retain its moisture.

​Light

​Dragon fruit plants bloom best in warm weather and are planted in the season of full sunlight, but exposing them to too much heat and intense sunlight can cause damage to the stem. If you are already living in the region that experiences extreme soaring temperatures, plant your dragon fruit stem in partial shade.​

At the same time, do not always keep under the shade because it can hinder the production and quality of the harvest. Maintain both the sunlight and shade properly.​

Water

​Dragon fruit plants are known to resist and grow even in drier regions, but this doesn’t imply that they can sustain without water. Watering them regularly, right from the time you are planting them in the soil, to maintain the moisture of the soil, is important.

However, keep in mind that overwatering them can cause root rot, and the chances of fungal disease attacking them increase. Water them moderately in the summer seasons, but when it is early spring or winter, water them only to keep the soil the needed moisture.​

Temperature

​As dragon fruit plants have their origin in tropical regions like Central and South America, and Southern Mexico, they won’t make it in the regions where winter dominates for most of the months. Regions that have temperatures from 65 degrees F to 80 degrees F are considered best for growing dragon fruits.

​Fertiliser

​Fertilisers shouldn’t be taken as an option if you are growing dragon fruit for harvesting. A balanced fertiliser is required from time to time, considering dragon fruit plants grow at a faster rate and are heavy feeders.

​Feed them fertilisers with high nutrient content every couple of months, and once the plants have held on to the soil properly, they will need the fertilisers once in a while in the spring and summer. To keep the quality of the soil intact, add compost or organic matter once in a while.

​Seasonal Pruning

​To maintain the health and productivity of the dragon fruit plant, seasonal pruning should be done, especially in the last winter or early spring. Seasonal pruning removes all dead and diseased parts of the plants and promotes new growth and better air circulation within the plant’s system. Seasonal pruning also ensures that the structure of the plant stays sturdy, as dragon fruit plants are quite heavy.

​Overwintering

​When you are living in a region that experiences harsh winter months with snowfall, overwintering measures are a concern. In such areas, you can grow dragon fruit plants in a container, but when winters arrive, keep your plants indoors, especially when the temperature drops below 65°F.

​Keep them out only when the danger of frost is eliminated, and the daytime temperatures are going past 70 degree F. Also, in spring and winter days, reduce watering as the plant goes into the dormant mode.​

Pollination

​This is not known to many, but the process of pollination differs based on the types of dragon fruit. Some are self-cultivars, while some need help to have the best results and not rely on one type, plant 2 3 types of dragon fruit plants. As dragon fruit’s flowers bloom at night so the common process of pollination through bees is not possible and it is done by bats and moths.

​The type which are self-cultivars stay open till the early morning, and bees might play a role in the pollination, but the type which can’t do self-pollination, you will have to do the pollination yourself between the time of dusk and dawn. To do the pollination, collect the pollen using a cotton swab from the stamen and gently put it on the stigma of the plant.

​Common Pests and Diseases

​Like many plants and fruits, dragon fruit plants are also prone to common pests and diseases, especially where you live. Always keep out your eyes for the common pests and diseases like ants, mealybugs, thrips, fungus, and rot. To defend these common problems from damaging your plants, prune regularly, provide them ample sunlight, do not overwater them and examine the roots regularly.

​Harvesting of the Dragon Fruits

If you have succeeded in growing dragon fruit plants, then it is important that you know the right time for dragon fruit harvest so you get the best flavour and taste. In general, dragon fruits get ready to be harvested between 30 to 50 days after they reach the flowering stage. The dragon fruit flower must turn bright yellow or bright pink, depending on the type you have planted, and the fruit will feel soft to the touch.

​Twist the fruit of the plants gently so that the stems are not damaged, and the best time to harvest them is in the morning. Once you have harvested them, store them in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks and enjoy their flavour after two weeks. The flowers of the dragon fruit plant are also edible and pick them up once the sun has set.​

Final Words

​Growing dragon fruit plants is relatively easier, and all you need is proper knowledge and following the guide shared here step by step. It requires less care and bare minimum care, but you have to be careful with certain things to not let the process of growth get hindered. The above guide will help you in detail about how to grow dragon fruit plant.

​FAQs

How do you grow dragon fruit at home?

To grow dragon fruit at home, take out seeds from the ripe dragon fruit, rinse and dry them completely and plant them in a warm and sunny spot while spreading them in the soil with a sterile pot mix. Once they reach 6 inches in height, shift them in the proper planting site and maintain 2 to 3 feet gaps between them.

​How long does it take to grow dragon fruit?

In general, dragon fruit plants grown from seeds can take up to 5 years to go into full production, while it takes 1 to 2 years from cutting. The first harvest of fruit can be harvested in the second year of the plantation. Post the flowering stage, it takes about 30 to 50 days for the fruits to mature.

​Can dragon fruit be grown in pots?

Yes, you can grow dragon fruit in a pot, but you have to ensure proper drainage. Always choose a large pot and an organic potting mix, and keep changing the pots as the plant grows and provide proper support from the very beginning.

Can we grow dragon fruit at home in India?

Yes, dragon fruit cultivation and harvestation is in full production in India’s tropical and subtropical climate and especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Which month is best for planting dragon fruit?

As dragon fruit plants are native to tropical regions like Central America, South America, and Southern Mexico, the best months for planting them are from March to August, which are the warm growing periods.

​Can a 7-month-old eat dragon fruit?

Yes, you can feed 7-month-old dragon fruits, but you have to be mindful while preparing them by carefully removing the skin and cutting them into large wedges to prevent choking. It’s hydrating and naturally sweet, but keep an eye on developing allergies.

​Can I grow dragon fruit from a cutting?

Yes, dragon fruit plants can be grown from a cutting and grow faster when compared to planting seeds. Take a 12-inch cutting from a properly ripened dragon fruit, cut the end and let it dry for a few days to a week, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Ensure to keep the soil lightly moist and keep the plant out in a warm and bright location.

​Are dragon plants easy to grow?

Yes, dragon plants are considered easy-to-grow plants because they have a higher tolerance to warm weather and require low maintenance. All you need to do is to maintain the moisture of the soil, which can be grown with seeds or cuttings, and needs regular maintenance like fertilisers and pruning.​

How to get dragon fruit seeds?

The best source of getting dragon fruit seeds is from the fruit itself. Open a ripped dragon fruit and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.