Dreaming of homegrown dragon fruit?
It’s easier than you think!
With these 8 tactics, you can grow your own. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to get your green thumb going?
Let’s explore how!
Choose the Right Location
Dragon fruit loves sunlight, so make sure you plant it somewhere it can soak up at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day. A south-facing spot in your garden is usually perfect.
Just avoid areas with too much shade or where water tends to pool after it rains.
Prepare Well-Draining Soil
Dragon fruit thrives in sandy or loamy soil that drains well. Mix in some sand or perlite if your soil is too dense.
Also, a pH level between 6 and 7 is ideal. Use a soil testing kit to make sure you’re all set before planting.
Planting Your Dragon Fruit
It’s best to start with cuttings from an existing plant. Plant each cutting in a hole about 2 inches deep and water thoroughly.
Space your plants about 5-6 feet apart so they have room to grow. You’ll see roots forming in a few weeks!
Watering Schedule
Dragon fruit doesn’t like to be waterlogged. Water the plants deeply but infrequently—usually once a week is enough.
Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. If you’re in a rainy area, you might need to water even less.
Support Your Plants
These plants are natural climbers, so they’ll need some support to grow strong. Trellises or stakes work great.
Just tie the plant to your support system as it gets taller, but be gentle to avoid damaging it.
Fertilization Tips
Use a balanced fertilizer every couple of months to keep your dragon fruit happy. A 10-10-10 blend works well.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to poor fruit development. Organic compost is another good option.
Pest Control
Dragon fruit is relatively hardy but can still attract pests like aphids and ants. A spray of neem oil works wonders.
Also, keep an eye out for any signs of rot or fungus, and treat with appropriate fungicides if needed.
Harvesting Your Fruit
Your dragon fruit is ready to harvest when the skin turns vibrant red or pink and the wings (those leafy parts) begin to wither. Twist the fruit gently, and it should come off easily.
Enjoy your fresh, home-grown dragon fruit!
I have been getting flowers on my dragon fruit plant, but I have not yet gotten any dragon fruit from the plants. The flowers just strap off and that’s it no fruit comes from there. What am I doing wrong?
I’m having the same problem!
The flowers MUST be pollinated to produce fruit. Plenty videos on Youtube of how to manually pollinate each flower.
I have no flowers?